‘THE SKY’S THE LIMIT’
Community brings Christmas to foster children
POTTSTOWN » There’s no feeling quite like being a kid at Christmas.
Ask anyone and they could probably tell you they remember waking up Christmas morning to festively wrapped presents under a brightly decorated Christmas tree. It may not always be easy to remember the gifts, but it’s hard to forget the feeling.
That feeling is precisely why community organizations have gotten together for 31 years to provide presents, entertainment, food and holiday cheer to hundreds of area foster children.
“I am so blessed that we are able to help people in the community and make this happen,” said Jim Frymoyer, a key player in holding the party every year. “There’s so many things tied to it; the kids, the smiles on their faces, the balloon person, the magician, Santa Claus ... Everybody is just jumping on board because they’re like me. It’s people that don’t have that are the people that really need it.”
The party, which was held Dec. 16 at North End Fire Company, hosted 174 children with the help of local organizations and businesses including Construction Solutions 911, the Manatawny Association and Dana Inc. This year, the party was made possible by United Auto Workers Local 644 at Dana, who Frymoyer said donated heavily to the event.
“I became the chairman about three years ago, and Jimmy was a retiree from our union and so he asked for help and we did that,” said Matt Slopodin, chairman of Local 644. “It’s great that it makes the kids happy.” And happy they were. Kids could be seen running around the fire hall playing with balloons and enjoying a magic show. Others had their faces painted while some took time to take a quick picture with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Around the edges of the room were tables full of bags of gifts just for the children.
But kids weren’t the only ones who were all smiles. Plenty of volunteers were happy to spend their time contributing to the party.
“Scott’s been involved with this for about 10 years,” said Liz McFarland, who was volunteering with her husband, Scott, owner of Construction Services 911. “We volunteer and Scott’s the main pusher behind this. He believes in supporting the community, supporting the children and just seeing the smiling faces. Our daughter is here as well. Our son normally comes. It’s just a great community effort.”
“It shows kids that people care besides the people that care for them,” added Scott.
But the party didn’t benefit just foster children. Many parents who attended the party expressed their gratitude as well, explaining that the party has meant the world to them.
“This party is very special to us because I’ve been friends with Ms. Kelly since I was 18 years old. If it wasn’t for her and her husband, we would be in a shelter. They took us in,” said Catherine Levengood, who was there with her 2-year-old son Anthony. “He has some smaller gifts but nothing like he has here.”
In addition to lots of food and entertainment, the party provided kids and families in need with winter coats and gloves that were donated by North End Fire Company for the event. After enjoying a magic show and some food brought in by volunteers, prizes were raffled off and kids got a glimpse at some of the Christmas presents.
“This is a project that we’re going to keep going for as long as I’m living. The sky’s the limit,” said Frymoyer. “This is their Christmas and this is what it’s about. They don’t have for their kids and we’re able to provide. It’s just another service we can do for the community. There isn’t a child here that doesn’t say thank you. That’s how it is. They’re always courteous, they give you a hug. You can see the things that are going on and it’s an amazing thing. It’s an amazing project but we couldn’t do it without everybody uniting together.”