Kids Make gifts, memories at annual event

By Donna Lewis

Most people have a “Christmas to Remember” but in my family we talk about a “Kids Make it for Christmas to Remember” and it’s this year’s event. Each moment seemed to be packed with memories I knew I could talk about for many years to come.

First, there were about 120 children who came to the Westran Elementary School ready and eager to make gifts. While this would not be a record attendance, it really was the most crafters we have had for several years.

In the past we have smiled as children and grandchildren of previous crafters showed up but this year we had a great-grandchild of a crafter who came 29 years ago. Another memorable fact is that this year all three of my sisters came to help out. Linda has helped out for several years and my sister Patsy Ann has come home from Kansas City for the last three years but this year sister Julie came too and she even brought her foreign exchange student, Nora, from Germany. They all worked cheerfully for the four hours helping to make crafts and even helped clean up and pack the leftover supplies to my house. Thankfully there were very few boxes to carry.

But probably the thing I will remember (and brag about the most) is Julie’s comments since she did a similar event in Kansas City. When I asked how mine compared, her comments were very complimentary for this event that has been supported by the Family and Community Education council. She commented on how patient and well-behaved all the children were. Due to the large turnout, there often was a short wait before they were able to find room at the crowded tables. Julie’s other comment did not surprise me but she was amazed at how many helpers we had. The lack of volunteers was what forced her to end her Kansas City project yet ours continues to have great support from volunteers, some who have been here every year.

As the morning progressed without a hitch, I took a few minutes to remember Margie Kaufman, a great lady who had helped crafters check out for many years before her health prohibited her from continuing. Sadly, Margie died just a week before this year’s event.

While I think 30 years might be a great year to stop, three comments came to mind. Number 1 – from a person who saw me at Wal-mart trying to pick up last minute supplies. She said, “I still have the mop angel my son made, we still put it on the tree. (I know that project was made 25 years ago.) Number 2 – A parent commented how every year it just gets better and better then she commented, “You can’t quit, too many kids depend on you. Don’t quit, pass the torch to someone. (Any volunteers out there?)

Number 3 – And this is the one that makes me know there will be many more Kids Make it For Christmas events. When I asked a parent I did not recognize if this was her little girl’s first year, she smiled and pointed to her daughter and said, “No, we were here last year for the first time and when we went home she said I will always remember this day. And now we are aback again this year making all new memories.”

While that little girl only seemed to be about five or six years old, the memory of her excitement will keep Betty and me coming up with craft projects for MAYBE 29 more years.

This event is held the second Saturday in December.