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The Holiday Season Gives True Meaning to those at The Arc

As we move forward into 2015, I wanted to take a little time to reflect on the 2014 holiday season. Some people find the holidays hectic, some find them overwhelming and some embrace them and enjoy every part of the season. At The Arc of Opportunity we tend to celebrate. This past holiday season was a busy one but we managed to embrace it with open minds, arms and of course hearts.

The holiday gatherings include and began with a celebration at Il Forno’s Restaurant where individuals in our various day programs enjoy a meal, some music, and some spontaneous dancing. Another favorite is our holiday party. We gathered for the evening and enjoyed a catered meal, a dedicated DJ who “spun” many of our Christmas favorites, and as always a lot of dancing. Mid December, on a Saturday afternoon, we didn’t leave out our youngest of participants where the kids enjoyed crafts, cookie decorating and of course Santa. In addition our annual Open House in Day Services always brings families together and offers a chance to visit the environment where folks spend their day.

Other notable activity included our Family Support Division working on the annual giving tree, however not without the support of the community. Selfless people either donate non-perishable foods and/or select tags displayed on ‘Giving Trees’ to fulfill wishes of ‘anonymous’ persons in need.  These generous, (also anonymous) philanthropists then find time in this wildest and most hectic season to shop – sometimes for some quite specific dream-fulfilling items.

Other assistance comes from our own staff and individuals as well as the dedicated community  establishments like (Fuzzy’s Place, Rollstone Bank & Trust, Workers Credit Union, A-Affordable Insurance and Enterprise Bank) that help publicize our appeals for and collection of goods to help those in need. It is truly inspiring to see the outpouring of pure generosity that appears to be contagious. From making and hanging signs to providing a schedule to pick up and return gifts and then packaging needed staple items like hats and gloves and food, The Family Support Division relies heavily on the support from those behind the scenes.

Over the Holiday Season we have a tendency to let the commercialism take over leaving out the true meaning of this special time of year. Being involved in the numerous festivities at The Arc of Opportunity often restores one’s faith. So rest easy from this “holiday rush” but look forward to the next one as it truly makes a difference in the many lives here at The Arc.

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