December 16, 2009

Centennial Church offers Christmas cheer to needy, inner-city children

By John Gleason

On Dec. 10, hundreds of preschoolers from Denver Public Schools took a bus trip to St. Thomas More Church in Centennial to create pictures, play games, have snacks and enjoy a visit with Santa.

The students, selected from across the school district, were taking part in the annual Project 600 event, a holiday tradition of the parish that gives children from inner-city schools a dose of Christmas cheer.  Started as a party by Alvina Lujan-Crouse, an educator in the DPS system and member of St. Thomas More Parish, the event has grown from a party for 40 children in 1982 to more than 600 this year. 

Schools arrive in a staggered schedule between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Once inside the door, classes are divided up and the children are sent to enjoy the festivities. Some children view a puppet show first while others visit Santa and still others line up to receive balloon animals.  Meantime, another group of children have fun at the face painting table. Throughout the event members of the Colorado State Patrol walk among the children handing out candy. 

Before they leave, all children get their photo taken with the jolly old elf and come away with a wrapped present.

The day is the result of long hours of planning and organizing, according to St. Thomas More Youth Director David Tschumper, who has overseen the event for the last 12 years.

“It’s all the volunteers,” he said.  “All the success for the event goes to the volunteers and youth group members.”

Five year-old Rudi Gomez, all decked out in a bright red dress with gold locket, was busily chewing on her Christmas cookie. She stopped eating long enough to say her favorite part of the event was seeing Santa.

“He asked what I wanted for Christmas and I said a Bratz (doll),” she said.  “But I got another present, too.”

Classmate Peyton Lyons, also 5, said she didn’t know what activity was best but emphasized she wanted to do everything.

“I drew a picture and saw the puppets,” she said. “But I got my picture with Santa, too.  He told me that I should clean my room.  I said, ‘OK.’”

After snacks, the children were allowed to work off a little energy at the indoor playground. Eventually it was time to board the busses and head home.  Volunteers stood at the door, waving to the children and offering them good wishes for the Advent and Christmas seasons.  One youngster, who only gave his first name, Santiago, looked back longingly over the scene and smiled.

“I hope I get to come back,” he said.