December 17, 2008

In separate events, teens bring Christmas joy to children

By John Gleason

For 11 years, the Youth Ministry Office at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial has sponsored Project 600, a day-long event that brings Christmas cheer into the hearts of hundreds of children during the holiday season.

The event was as popular as ever this year when on Dec. 11, more than 600 preschoolers from several Denver Public Schools arrived at St. Thomas More for a party that consisted of snacks, games, entertainment and, of course, presents from Santa Claus.

The idea originally came from St. Thomas More parishioner Alvina Lujan-Crouse, who was an educator in the Denver Public Schools system.  In 1982, the country was in a recession and inner-city families were feeling the economic crunch the hardest.  As principal, Lujan-Crouse wondered what she could do to make the holidays better for her students.

“I first had an idea for a party at my house,” she said, “that eventually turned into a party at the church.  And from that first party for 40 children in 1982, Project 600 has grown into an annual holiday get together for several hundred.”

As school busses pulled into the church parking lot the children’s attention was immediately drawn to the clowns who made up the welcoming committee.  Before they were inside the building, smiles appeared on their faces as they knew they were in for a special treat.  Through the doors, the students were divided up, some sitting down to crafts and games, others to be entertained by a magician while yet others were off to the cafeteria for holiday snacks of punch and cookies.  Before they headed back to the bus, every child got to visit with Santa.

A lot of planning and organizing goes into Project 600 and St. Thomas More Youth Director David Tschumper credits much of the event’s success to the student volunteers who so generously give of their time.

“They come in and get tables set up and packages wrapped, students and their parents alike,” he said.  “When the day starts we have guides who help the children from one activity to another.”

A chance for a nice Christmas—that’s what Project 600 is about. But according to Lujan-Crouse, there is more—it is hoped the recipients will also see the importance of giving.

“We have to teach our children how to give,” she said. “Otherwise, we are responsible for their selfishness.”

Another event held for the benefit of underprivileged children took place on Dec. 7 at Bishop Machebeuf High School, which played host to the first of what is hoped to be an annual occasion called “Angel for a Day,” where teens and other volunteers reach out to those less fortunate in the community.  The event was organized by members of Regnum Christi, an apostolic movement that supports parish life and encourages members to undertake apostolic works.

More than 100 grade school students from St. Therese and Annunciation schools were invited to the daylong event, which included Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley followed by games and snacks. There was also a musical performance, a live Nativity during which the true meaning of Christmas was discussed, and a gift exchange. 

Although this was the first time Angel for a Day was held in Denver, it has an extensive history in cities like Atlanta and Dallas, according to event coordinator Kelly Bateson. 

“We had close to a hundred volunteers who helped set up and run the activities like the carnival,” Bateson said. “Our plans are for Angel for a Day to become an annual event that we can share with the children.”

The high school volunteers were students from Bishop Machebeuf, Regis Jesuit and J.K. Mullen high schools.  More information on Regnum Christi or their outreach programs can be found online at missionnetwork.com.