Community Christmas for Kids

It is said that Christmas is for children and some residents are making sure that our youth still have a cheerful one, even if their parents are preoccupied with the pressures of post-Ivan recovery. Service clubs, companies, government agencies, churches and civicminded individuals are doing their part to see to it that no child is left out.

Some activities have already taken place: among them was the first Cayman Kids Day, held in Bodden Town two Saturdays ago. Children were treated to fun, festivities and food in an event sponsored by Hew’s Janitorial,Pools R Us, MacDonald’s Restaurant, and Hew’s Hotel and Restaurant Supplies.

Last Sunday saw St. George’s Anglican Church’s annual children’s observance, the Christingle Service, which focuses children on the meaning of Christmas. Young people from the Frances Bodden and Bonaventure children’s homes were the special guests this year and each received a gift certificate and shared Sunday brunch with the congregation.

This week the Bodden Town Football Club is spreading cheer among their district’s children by distributing packages of personal items and school supplies to each student at Bodden Town and Savannah primary schools. Yesterday (9 Dec.) the Savannah students received their gifts from Santa, while today is Bodden Town’s turn. Lunch is an added treat provided by the club.

Today, also, the Cayman Islands Tourism Association holds its annual Lighthouse School Christmas party. Association members are hosting children from the school at the Scholars Community Park in West Bay. Santa is to join the fun and distribute gifts.

Coming Events: For those who were not a part of the above, there are still a number of other opportunities. Tomorrow, Saturday, 11th, Cayman 27 and the Department of Children and Family Services join to host a children’s party for about 80 of the department’s clients at the Grand Harbour complex.

Later in the day, the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman will stage the Santa Claus Landing, its long-standing annual Christmas treat. The event is open to all and begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Airport Park across from Foster’s Food Fair. Santa will arrive by Island Air, bearing gifts for the children and everyone will be treated to snacks, balloons, etc. CUC and KPMG are the main corporate sponsors of this year’s event, with additional support from several banks.

The Central and Scranton communities in George Town, in conjunction with George Town Sports Club, will hold their community appreciation and sports fun day next week Saturday, 18th, at the Central-Scranton Park on Myles Road, off Shedden Road. Children’s activities to include bouncing castle, games and sports challenges. That event will be open to all and kicks off at 3:00 p.m.

The Lion’s Children’s Christmas Party is another annual favorite for youngsters. It takes place next Sunday, 19th, from 2:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Centre. In addition to games, food, and drinks, Santa will be on hand with gifts for every child. No one need miss this party as the Lion’s Club is arranging free transportation from each district, starting at around midday (exact times and pick-up points will be announced).

A number of companies have decided to forego their usual staff parties in favor of family events. One such is the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, which will host a family day at Scholars Park for its staff and their families. To make the day extra special, the children will receive gifts from Santa, and enjoy games, face painting, and all their favorite foods.

The finale will be on Christmas Eve, when the Paramount group of companies will put on its Children’s Christmas Party from 3-6:00 p.m. at the Airport Park. This treat is open to everyone, especially the children from George Town.

Other companies and individuals have channeled their giving in other ways. The Department of Children and Family Services reports several benefactors have committed tfurniture, gift certificates and other items to be distributed to needy children and families identified by the department, or money for the purchase of these items. Some have even volunteered their time to wrap gifts, or chaperone children at the department’s party.

Among the benefactors are Style FM; Cayman 27; Mrs. Suzanne St. Thomas; Woody and Shirley DaCosta; the Mich Foundation; the Key Clubs of Cayman Prep and High and Triple C schools, and Ms. Erin Eccles, a local Canadian who has co-opted a group of 18 of her friends in Canada. Coordinating the drive on behalf of the department are social workers Cassandra Parchment and Sophia Walker.

CIRO is hoping that other groups and individuals will be encouraged to also plan their own outreach to children. If you do, let us know about it by emailing gis@gov.ky or calling us at 949-8092 so we can mention it in a future update of the Cayman Spirit. If you are not sure which children to help, contact Cassandra or Sophia at the Department of Children and Family Services, 925-5350 or 925-5349. Community Christmas for Kids Getting into gear with gifts