And so, in keeping with the Philoptochos mission of giving, we are changing the format of the St. Barbara’s Day Party this year. Instead of making crafts to take home, our children will be decorating tabletop Christmas trees, hanging wreaths, and other decorations to distribute to various homeless shelters. Upon informing Glenn Read at the Veteran’s Housing Coalition of this project, he told me that he has 28 veterans in one shelter and 12 more older, disabled veterans in another shelter who would truly appreciate these gifts. He said that children making something special for Christmas for these veterans would bring them much joy. Glenn also said, "Just you telling me about this project has brought me some joy today." So our project will be to make as many decorations for the veterans, and for other shelters including Bethesda House. This house serves the working poor, disabled, and chronically homeless with housing (they have 70 clients who could use some Christmas cheer). The Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless has 24 clients who would also enjoy these gifts. There are additional shelters with additional needs and, if this works well this year, we may expand to have our children do even more next year. Philoptochos will be purchasing materials to make these Christmas decorations, but we will also be accepting donations of ribbons, small ornaments, and any gently used decorations that can be recycled into new and lovely decorations. The other change is the time. The party will be held from 1 PM to 4 PM so that parents won’t have to go home and then turn around later to drive back again. There will be a Christmas movie, pizza, the decoration making, Freckles the Clown, make-your-own sundaes donated by Stewart’s, and a visit from Santa who will be distributing a special keepsake ornament for the family Christmas tree. Volunteers and donations are needed. Please call the church office at 489-4442 x 0.

Speaking of "giving", a number of Philoptochos members attended the Capital City Rescue Mission Dinner. This agency has grown remarkably over the past years, yet it "gives everything away". It doesn’t charge for housing, for meals, for the clothes in their second-hand shop, for GED or computer training. Yet with all these "giveaways" and no government money, the mission keeps on growing. More kudos for the efforts. We will continue our support of this worthy organization.

In review of this past month, many thanks to Marcella Panza and Amy Spellos for a wonderful 80^th Anniversary Dinner. The program honored four outstanding women who represent "The Power of Women", but more importantly, the women of Philoptochos both past and present who have given so much of themselves to make our Philoptochos the wonderful philanthropic society of women that it is today. Our thanks to Eva Bahlatzis for the delicious Philoptochos Artoclasia she made on November 1^st. Also, thanks to Stephan Kalogrides for his generous donation to the 80^th Anniversary Program. And finally, a thank you to Mary and Jim Sokaris for their donation of gifts for St. Barbara’s Day in memory of Chrissy who always enjoyed this special day so much.

Now, just for fun, and a great night out, join us for the combined Daughters and Philoptochos Christmas Party which will be held at the Shaker Ridge Country Club. Car pooling will be available. You don’t have to be a member to attend. See Kiki Maglares or Anne Hadjiouannou. Finally, in closing, please remember to sign up for the Philoptochos Community Christmas Card. It’s a very lovely card this year. See Marcella Panza or Frosty Stolis.