Post by Okwes on Dec 10, 2005 21:24:11 GMT -5
Posted on Fri, Dec. 09, 2005
Santa's helpers seek help
Friends of the Keeper wants to make sure Wichita's American Indian kids get toys and books for Christmas.
BY CHRISTINA M. WOODS
The Wichita Eagle
Members of the nonprofit community group Friends of the Keeper want to be Santa Claus to children in Wichita's American Indian community this year.
They've collected about 200 toys and as many books.
But they need more donations.
The committee initially planned for 300 children, up to age 16.
Members said they've received calls indicating that 600 or more children could turn out to a party where the toys will be given away.
The party is set for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday in the cafeteria at North High, 1437 Rochester. Admission is free. Music and light refreshments will be available.
"We went into panic mode because we don't want to go buy a bunch of stocking stuffers," said Linda Warledo, a member of Friends of the Keeper,which is a nonprofit community group that works to celebrate and educate others on American Indian culture.
Bikers from the American Legion Riders, Cessna Motorcycle Club, the Gold Wing Touring Association Chapter A and the Marauders donated toys in late November.
The group hopes to collect additional toys -- especially toddler toys -- and winter accessories such as gloves, scarves, mittens and hats in the coming days.
The party is intended for American Indian children -- regardless of tribal affiliation.
"There will be a Christmas for the Indian children," Beck said.
For more information on making donations, contact Beck at 682-6290.
In a separate event, the Mid-America All-Indian Center will have a night of storytelling and hymn-singing in tribal languages during "A Native Christmas."
That event is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the center, 650 N. Seneca. Admission is free, but people are asked to bring Christmas snacks.
Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa. Pictures with Santa cost $3.
The Indian Center's community committee is sponsoring the event. For more information on "A Native Christmas," call the center, 262-5221.
Santa's helpers seek help
Friends of the Keeper wants to make sure Wichita's American Indian kids get toys and books for Christmas.
BY CHRISTINA M. WOODS
The Wichita Eagle
Members of the nonprofit community group Friends of the Keeper want to be Santa Claus to children in Wichita's American Indian community this year.
They've collected about 200 toys and as many books.
But they need more donations.
The committee initially planned for 300 children, up to age 16.
Members said they've received calls indicating that 600 or more children could turn out to a party where the toys will be given away.
The party is set for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday in the cafeteria at North High, 1437 Rochester. Admission is free. Music and light refreshments will be available.
"We went into panic mode because we don't want to go buy a bunch of stocking stuffers," said Linda Warledo, a member of Friends of the Keeper,which is a nonprofit community group that works to celebrate and educate others on American Indian culture.
Bikers from the American Legion Riders, Cessna Motorcycle Club, the Gold Wing Touring Association Chapter A and the Marauders donated toys in late November.
The group hopes to collect additional toys -- especially toddler toys -- and winter accessories such as gloves, scarves, mittens and hats in the coming days.
The party is intended for American Indian children -- regardless of tribal affiliation.
"There will be a Christmas for the Indian children," Beck said.
For more information on making donations, contact Beck at 682-6290.
In a separate event, the Mid-America All-Indian Center will have a night of storytelling and hymn-singing in tribal languages during "A Native Christmas."
That event is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the center, 650 N. Seneca. Admission is free, but people are asked to bring Christmas snacks.
Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa. Pictures with Santa cost $3.
The Indian Center's community committee is sponsoring the event. For more information on "A Native Christmas," call the center, 262-5221.