Christmas in the City Volunteers Call for Donations to Help Provide Annual Holiday Celebration for Area's Homeless.

BOSTON -- Request for toys, gifts and other donations to ensure a successful party for the children

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.

Each year CITC hosts the annual party, which is successful in part based on the generosity of the donations from the public, such as toys and gifts, as well as money that goes towards individual gifts for each and every child. A key to what makes the CITC event special is the personalized gift each child receives.

"The kids get to make their very own lists for Santa," says Jake Kennedy, who co-founded the event with his wife Sparky 16 years ago. "Through the generosity of thousands of individuals and companies, each child actually receives one of the gifts he or she requested. That's what makes this party so special."

This year, as the number of homeless families in Boston continues to rise, the need for donations is at an all-time high.

"The number of families in shelters grows each year, and this year is no exception," said Jake Kennedy, "Each year we really look to the Boston community and our volunteers to help us gather all the things that are needed to give each and every child a wonderful experience. We're hoping people will donate this holiday season, as they have done in the past."

The annual Christmas in the City party, which is scheduled for Sunday, December 19, 2004 (location can be provided to accredited media organizations by contacting Barry Chait), provides children with a full day of holiday fun, including a hot holiday meal, live stage performances, a "Winter Wonderland" of rides and amusements, and, of course, a visit from Santa. CITC also provides 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.)

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.

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. The Museum of Science, the Children's Museum and the Aquarium will provide interactive programs. Salon Pini of Newbury Street generously provides haircuts for children and parents.

At approximately 12 noon, the 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 1:30, 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 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. Children also receive gift bags with more practical gifts, such as hats and mittens, books, and stuffed animals.

Important Security Note

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 will 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 Christmas in the City (CITC)

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 2400 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, www.christmasinthecity.org.