Many hands make light work: volunteers are needed for Father Woody events

By John Gleason

For many needy families, the annual Father Woody Christmas Party for the Homeless means a hot meal and toys for their children. The longtime Denver tradition will be held next month at the Sheraton Hotel in Denver. 

Co-sponsored by Holy Ghost Church, the Archdiocese of Denver, the Daniels Fund and Regis University, the event was started 27 years ago by Father C.B. Woodrich. Affectionately called Father Woody, the priest was a life-long advocate of care and service to the homeless. Father Woody, a cofounder of Samaritan House homeless shelter, began the Christmas party while he was pastor at Holy Ghost Church.

Although he died 17 years ago, Father Woody’s legacy of service to the poor continues.

“Each year we seem to have more to do and more people to do it for,” said Victoria McCabe, a Regis professor and organizer of the party.  “We average 3,000 people a year at this event. They begin showing up before dawn and line around the block waiting for the door to open.”

Last year, in spite of single-digit temperatures, more than 2,300 people came for the meal. They were entertained with carol singing and everyone received gifts. Children got to visit with Santa.

“Father Woody wanted every child to leave with at least two gifts,” McCabe said, “one of those being a toy.  Collection of donations and shopping for gifts are a year-round effort.  In fact, my shoppers begin right after Christmas, taking advantage of the post-holiday bargains.”

But before any gifts can be handed out, McCabe added with a smile, they have to be wrapped. McCabe organizes annual wrapping parties where as many as 5,000 gifts are decorated with festive paper, bows and ribbons.

“We take over part of the dining hall in the student center at Regis,” McCabe said, “and spend the day wrapping presents.  It’s quite a project.”

Wrap parties are set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Nov. 22 at Regis University and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 20 at the Sheraton Hotel (formerly the Adam’s Mark) at 1550 Court Place.  Anyone wishing to help with either wrapping party can just show up.  Volunteers for the Christmas party are needed as well.

“The Daniels Fund has always shown up with many people to help, as has the Catholic high schools,” McCabe said.  “We have groups from many parishes and other organizations and even individual families who travel from great distances to be a part of the party.”

McCabe can’t say enough about the people who come to help with this event.

“In a way, it’s word defying,” she said.  “You do it once and you can’t imagine life without it.   It’s a gesture of generosity and compassion; you feel closer to Father Woody and like you’re truly following in the path of Christ.”  

The Father Woody Christmas Party will be held on Dec. 21 at the Sheraton Hotel.  Volunteers need to be at the hotel by 8:30 a.m. and must be willing to stay until the party ends, usually by 3 p.m.  Those wishing to volunteer for this party must R.S.V.P. at 303-715-3154 and leave their name and number on the voice mail.