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Christmas for Kids spreads holiday spirit

Published January 18. 2022 12:23PM
by Christina Santo Special to the Bethlehem Press

Women of Excellence Bethlehem hosted its 18th annual Christmas for Kids event Dec. 18. This year’s event helped approximately 325 families and 850 children up to 16 years of age. Children from Broughal and Northeast middle schools, and William Penn, Fountain Hill, Donegan, Marvine and Lincoln elementary schools, and local churches all received presents.

WOEB is an organization led and founded by Dr. Enid Jackson, who started the organization in July 2003 with, as she says, “a zeal to serve my community in any way possible, and [give] back to a community that did a lot for me when I moved here to Pennsylvania after 9-11.”

The nonprofit aims to empower less fortunate women and families in Bethlehem, help them overcome their financial situation and reach their potential.

WOEB hosts a variety of other events in addition to Christmas for Kids, including gospel music in the park and monthly leadership forums. Each program is based on godly principles and practices.

Christmas for Kids started in December 2004 with 60 children, and has continued to grow from there. The event started out at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, then moved to Broughal MS as it grew. The COVID-19 pandemic brought Christmas for Kids to the Wells Fargo Building, 301 Broadway, where gifts were distributed on the fifth floor. Food was handed out at the nearby Seven Sirens Brewery.

Volunteers from Lehigh University, Bethlehem Area School District and city fire and police departments helped WOEB ensure the event ran smoothly. Volunteers helped wrap and distribute presents, directed families where to go, serves full-course meals, and much more.

Donations from generous people and organizations also help make this event possible, Jackson said. Every gift and meal handed out that day was donated to help children and families in need.

Gifts were donated by Toys for Tots, Holiday Hope Chest, Hand in Service, and from collection boxes in varying locations. Food donations were made by Lehigh Pizza, Goosey Gander, Vic’s Bagels and La Lupita restaurant, as well as Dominos’ and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Dr. Enid Jackson (left), founder of WOEB and Christmas for Kids, and a group of volunteers prepare gifts for families in need.
Wrapped gifts by age range and gender sit waiting to be passed out to those in need.
PRESS PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA SANTO From Left, volunteers Alani Rodriguez, Latoyia Small, administrative assistant to the Broughal MS principal, and Bethlehem Police Officer William Rodriguez at their station in Seven Sirens Brewery, ready to serve food at a moment's notice.