Annual Holiday Party for Boston's Homeless Children Looks for Help Amidst Escalating Homelessness Problems.

News Editors/Calendar Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2002

Christmas in the City needs toys, mothers' gifts for record number

of children and parents attending this year's all-day party

Christmas in the City (CITC), the all-volunteer organization that sponsors an annual holiday party for homeless children, is looking for last minute individual and corporate donations for the record number of children attending this year's celebration.

"A tough economy and tight budgets are making this a difficult holiday season for many homeless children," said Jake Kennedy, who co-founded the event with his wife Sparky 13 years ago. "We need all the help we can get if we're going to make this a joyful season for these kids."

The annual Christmas in the City party, which is scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 2002 at the Bayside Expo Center, provides children with a full day of holiday fun, including street performers, live stage performances, a "Winter Wonderland" of rides and amusements, and, of course, a visit from Santa. CITC also provides a full holiday meal and a personalized gift for each child. (PLEASE NOTE: Media organizations are asked not to reveal the location of the event before it occurs for security and other reasons. See below.)

Kennedy, noting the recent news about rising homelessness and cutbacks for shelters, said the number of children at this year's party is likely to exceed 1900, up from 1800 last year. The increased attendance and the difficult environment for charitable-giving means the organization faces a shortfall of gifts for both children and parents. CITC is a 100 percent volunteer organization - it has no paid staff and receives no government assistance.

"This may be the toughest environment we've faced since we began the party in 1989," said Kennedy, referring to the organization's first effort, launched in the midst of the late-80's homelessness crisis. "But the Greater Boston community has always come through for us. The outpouring of generosity from the volunteers and contributors is always overwhelming. Its what the season is all about."

About the Party

CITC's annual party is an all-day, fun-packed celebration for kids who otherwise might not be able to enjoy the holiday season. CITC seeks to provide the children with a memorable experience, from the moment they enter to raucous cheers to the end of the day when they receive a personalized gift from Santa. This year's party will take place at the Bayside Expo Center (200 Mt. Vernon Street, South Boston) on Sunday, December 15th from 11:30 am to 4:00 p.m.

Children arrive at approximately 11 a.m. and walk the red carpet to their assigned table. Before lunch, children and parents are entertained by live stage performances, including music from choirs and local bands and other dancing and gymnastic shows. Children can also leave their tables to enjoy the roving clowns, magicians, and Christmas characters. Sidewalk Sam will sketch on the floor and both the Museum of Science and the Children's Museum will provide interactive programs. Salon Pini of Newbury Street generously provides haircuts for children and parents.

At approximately 12 noon, children will be treated to a seven-course meal, including turkey, cranberry sauce, and other traditional holiday fare as well as less traditional offerings, such as hot dogs, pizza, and other treats.

At about 1:15, Santa will arrive and open the Winter Wonderland: a magical land of trains, pony rides, slides, moon bouncers, a carousel, a fire engine, a stock car, and other amusements. Children charge through falling snow to the Wonderland, where Zoo New England will also provide animals for petting. Members of the New England Revolution and the Boston Breakers will also appear and play soccer with the children. However, the most popular spot, as always, will be Santa's lap, where personalized photos will be available.

At approximately 3 p.m., Santa will instruct his elves to distribute the personalized gifts. According to CITC founder Jake Kennedy, "This is one of the few times in the lives of these kids that their dreams come true. When Santa gives them the present they wanted, they know it is really Christmas."

Children also receive gift bags with more practical gifts, such as hats and mittens, books, and stuffed animals.

Important Security Note

If you cover this story, please do NOT print the location and date. To ensure a safe event and to provide a personalized gift to every child, CITC only allows children and parents that have pre-registered through their shelters. CITC cannot provide gifts or meals to families who show up on the day of the event. Also, CITC must protect the privacy and security of the battered women who have sought safety in shelters and attend the event.

How to Contribute

Individuals seeking to sponsor a child (by providing a personalized gift already selected) may call Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy at [phone]. CITC also provides each mother with a bag of cosmetics, clothing (such as hats, gloves, and scarves), or other personal items. Department stores or other corporations interested in helping with those gifts should also call Kennedy Brothers. CITC also accepts monetary donations to pay for various items not donated and to support its year round programs to help families transition out of homelessness. All contributions are tax deductible.

About the Organization

Christmas in the City is a 100 percent volunteer organization, founded by Jake and Sparky Kennedy in 1989, when the first holiday party attracted 165 children to City Hall. Since that time, it has grown into an annual tradition, now serving more than 1800 children. Christmas in the City also provides other services aimed at helping families make a successful transition from homelessness to independent living. For more information, go to the organization's Web site, christmasinthecity.org.