(BLOOMINGTON) – The City of Bloomington invites area children, together with their families, to a Winter Wonderland celebration at the Banneker Community Center (930 West Seventh Street) on Saturday, December 14, from 12 p.m to 4 p.m.
Co-sponsored by the Black Graduate Student Association at Indiana University Bloomington, the City’s Commission on the Status of Black Males, Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department’s Banneker Community Center, and the Sigma Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the free event will feature seasonal activities including arts and crafts, cookie decoration, holiday carols, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a toy giveaway.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys or games to distribute at the event are currently being accepted at collection sites across Bloomington, including City Hall (401 North Morton Street), where a box is located in the atrium on the first floor. Volunteers may register here to help ensure Winter Wonderland’s success.
In the spirit of the season, community members are also encouraged to purchase new winter hats, gloves, and mittens for children ages five to 12 living at The Rise, Middle Way House’s residential community for survivors (and their children) transitioning out of violent relationships. Collections will be accepted through December 17 at 5 p.m. in the Community and Family Resources Department (Suite 260) at City Hall, Bloomington Police Department headquarters (220 East Third Street) and Bloomington Fire Department Station 1 (300 East Fourth Street).
“The holiday season showcases Bloomington’s big heart and reminds us that it’s always the right time to work on behalf of everyone in our community, without exception,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “Now, and throughout the year, let’s be generous with our neighbors and the community organizations that help weave a safety net for all of us in Bloomington.”