Community Christmas at Monessen Library Makes Christmas Special For the Kids

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 December 2015 02:53

By Jill Brown

It was all about the children this year at the Monessen Public Library’s annual Christmas Party on Sat., December 5, 2015, from 2 – 5 p.m., as gifts and activities were geared to youngsters.

In charge of Library Christmas Party were (l-r) Lucille D’Alfonso and Chairman Mary Jo Smith, both with Monessen Community Development Corp., and Delmar Hepple, Mon Valley Initiative. Mary Jo holds granddaughter Lilyana.

The event began with a prayer, as everyone held hands, praying for people to leave there feeling good. Leading the prayer was Pastor Tim Burgan, who had a very large church group there to give of their time.

The Christian Center Church in Belle Vernon, with the Full Potential Project, served pizza and other food and provided games, toys, puzzles, raffles, etc., all for the kids. The director of The Full Potential Project is Lisa Lyons.

Associate Pastor Gary Snodgrass of the Christian Center Church said of why they helped out with the event, “It’s just a good way of showing the love of God to people. Our church is all about community.”

Pastor Tim Burgan of the Christian Center Church had appeared on Cornerstone TV for 32 years on “His Place.” He retired from the program 2 years ago. Pastor Burgan said, “We did an outreach at the Civic Center; then Mary Jo (Smith) contacted us, and we decided we wanted to work together with the city of Monessen.”

Epiphany Church in Monessen also donated some items such as children’s hats, gloves and scarves to the Amphitheater Committee, to be given to the kids at the party.

The following were also featured at the library: crafts; tree-decorating; music from a band; singers; face-painting; and pictures with Santa. A band called “Hear Tonight” played Indie pop rock, and Jessica Kovach from Monessen sang beautiful, melodic Christmas songs.

The festivities drew to a conclusion with children decorating the Christmas tree and then enjoying s’mores at an outdoor fire pit. Finally, there was the lighting of the tree and caroling. The children had a party with much-needed gifts and lots of fun!