Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana put on their fourth-annual “Christmas to Remember” event on December 9 at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville. All ten Boys & Girls Clubs from the area came out for a very special evening of holiday cheer.
“Christmas to Remember” was made to bring Christmas early to all the children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. Knowing that not every child gets presents to open Christmas morning, the Board of Directors has prioritized this event as one of their largest of the year. The event was extremely well coordinated and ran very smoothly with a full team of volunteers.
Each of the ten clubs were scheduled to enter a beautifully decorated dining room and eat pizza that was generously served by community volunteers. After dining with their friends, the kids were brought into a winter wonderland that was transformed from the center’s gymnasium. The children lined up to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, and then they were each guided to their very own giant sack of presents.
Having a few of these under her belt, Director of Marketing Stephanie Hamilton said, “We learn something every year.”
Countless volunteers helped shop and wrap presents, and many lent a hand at the party, helping children with their toys and presents. Area sponsors made donations so that every child had plenty of gifts to open. People’s Bank, Community Healthcare Systems, Valpo Car Company, ATG Real Estate, Northshore Health Centers, Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors, and SMART Sheet Metal were all 2021 sponsors.
Tegan from Cedar Lake was very excited about her slime she received.
“I make glossy and fluffy slime at home,” Tegan said.
She and her friends chatted during dinner, talking about what they love to do at the club. They especially like playing on the gymnastics mats and playing volleyball.
Seven year old, Belle from South Haven got a baby Yoda backpack and a pink coat.
"I wanted this so bad! I'm going to wear it everywhere, even at school," said Belle.
Another South Haven child wasn’t as thrilled about all the clothes she was opening until she fell in love with an adorable, soft white sweatshirt with black hearts. She shrieked in glee. "It's so cute!” she said.
One boy, 6th grader and 11-year-old Braylon, from River Forest was in utter disbelief when he opened a brand new drum set.
“Is this real? Am I dreaming? I'm going to cry. I feel so special,” Smith said.
The wonderful volunteer helping him replied, “You are special and you deserve that.”
Alejandra is Braylon’s classmate and she was so happy to watch Braylon open the drumset.
“We’re in band together. We just had a concert last night and played ‘Jingle Bells’,” said Alejandra.
“This is the best Christmas ever,” Smith said. He asked for the set but didn’t think he’d actually get one.
Dwayne Washington, Club Director of the Hammond club has been at three clubs in his career. No matter which location he’s been in, he appreciates seeing the happiness the clubs bring to the kids’ lives.
“They really look forward to this. Seeing the kids and seeing them so happy is what brings me here,” Washington said.
Lake County Commander Leslie Smith has attended “Christmas to Remember” a few times and noted how well it works in this current space at The Dean and Barbara White Community Center and how amazing it is to have so many generous donors in the community.
“It’s a very good cause. The community came out and showed up,” Smith said.
A newer member of the club, 11-year-old Mahnai from Merrillville, loves coming to the Boys & Girls Club after school.
“All my friends are here, and we love playing in the gym. We play football and basketball.” Mahnai was so respectful and polite, expressing his immense gratitude and appreciation for what he received. “Red is my favorite color!” said Mahnai after he opened his brand new red Nikes and a very fashionable plaid red winter hat.
It’s easy to see what makes the Boys & Girls Clubs so special. It’s a home away from home for so many. It’s only natural they have a Christmas with this second family and celebrate togetherness in the spirit of the holidays.
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, visit https://www.bgcgreaternwi.org/.
