December 6, 2007

Family Holiday Festival provides fun for all, support for needy

“I’m making a crazy snowman,” said 11-year-old Nathan Wolf, whose sister Lauren, also 11, helped create the gingerbread cookie after singing with the Castillero Middle School Choir. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

Residents turned out to support a good cause and celebrate the season at the second annual Family Holiday Festival at the Almaden Community Center Dec. 1.

“I want to thank the retired police and firefighters who are serving food, Safeway for donating the food and also the Leland Key Club for their help today, ” said District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle, who sponsored the event.

During the event, Leland students kept busy helping kids decorate gingerbread cookies and play an assortment of games like Twister and Candy Land. The Castillero Middle School choir added its holiday touch with renditions of “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and other seasonal favorites.

Turning Wheels for Kids [TWK], which purchases and provides brand new bicycles to children in the community, demonstrated how to build bicycles. Last year the group provided over 1,000 bicycles to needy and underprivileged children. The organization’s goal this year is 1,500 bikes.

“Nancy made a very generous donation to Turning Wheels for Kids,” said TWK founder Susan Runsvold. “When she asked if we would come to the Family Holiday Festival, I said sure, I’ll be there. And it’s fun.”

The Castillero Middle School Choir performs music of the season.

And in the spirit of giving so special this time of the year, many attendees brought unwrapped gifts for the Toys for Tots bins manned by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Almaden Library Branch volunteer Ed Koetitz created excitement with animated story time holiday tales and Pyle read “The Night before Christmas” to the younger crowd gathered around the Christmas tree. Afterwards, she had a conversation with many of the youngsters who were eager to ask questions.

And then there was a surprise visit from Santa to the delight of the kids.

“I absolutely love the holidays,” said Almaden resident Doreen Jurado. “When I heard about all this Christmas fun, I had to come.”