Once again, third graders from the Bethlehem Area School District came to the aid of Mayor J. William Reynolds by helping him decorate his tree at city hall on Friday, Nov. 21, and what terrific helpers they were!

The 130 students were joined by a small army of volunteers, including students from Liberty HS and Moravian University.

To thank the third graders for their willingness to lend a helping hand, students were treated to lunch provided by ShopRite of Bethlehem, fabulous desserts provided by Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School students, water and a healthy snack craft provided by the city’s Health Bureau, and new backpacks provided by Bethlehem Business Forms Working Dog Press. As a special gift, each child could select the perfect headband or scarf made by Cops ‘n’ Kids volunteer Marlene Lakey. In addition, students received new books provided by Wind Creek Bethlehem and Cops ‘n’ Kids.

With a mission of “connecting kids and community through literacy,” the Cops ‘n’ Kids Literacy Program of the Lehigh Valley hopes to do just that with events such as this tree decorating holiday adventure. This coming together reflects who we are as a community at this special time of year. The Mayor’s helpers were reminded that this is, in fact, the Christmas City. This magical event epitomizes what it means to be a member of our community. In the spirit of the holidays in this special place, people of all ages came forward to celebrate who we are and to “connect” our children to the caring community in which they reside.

On behalf of these beautiful children, we wish you all a very joyful holiday season and new year.