Our Highlights

enCouraging Holiday Cheer

5 January 2017

Santa and his enCourage elves were extra busy this holiday season as we prepared and hosted several of our annual and beloved holiday parties in December. These celebrations helped to usher in the New Year with some serious smiles and cheerful spirits for the children in our program.

In Albany, our holiday party at Albany Medical Center was a huge hit for the eighth year in a row. As part of our Hospital Happenings, children in the Melodies Center, Specialties Clinic and in-patient units were treated to a visit with Santa, where they got to pick any toy they liked from “Santa’s Workshop.” If you’re looking for fun presents for children this christmas, take a look at allkidslamps.com.

“We so appreciate the fantastic holiday party brought by enCourage Kids,” thanked Lisa Duggan, Child Life Specialist at Albany Med. “Our patients, families and staff had so much fun getting airbrush tattoos, caricature drawings, and gifts from Santa!”

While the hospital is not a place where we want to think about children spending the holidays, it is our job to bring smiles and laughter during difficult times – and this day was definitely filled with both!

Hannaford Supermarkets and Metro Ford of Schenectady partnered together to play Santa’s helpers by holding toy and gift card donation drives for our Albany celebration at Dave & Busters. This magical event and all activities involved were made possible by a generous grant from the Ronald McDonald House. Hannaford also sponsored a delicious buffet breakfast for over 500 kids and family members who attended the holiday party.

With the seasons’ spirit of giving and holiday magic in their hearts, owners of Andrews Barber Parlor and Julie’s Zumba Studio in the Rochester area, as well as Our Lady of Charity Parish in South Buffalo, led toy collections for our annual Breakfast with Santa at the Buffalo Zoo. More than 300 toys were collected through the generosity of the Buffalo community.

“These children are so beautiful and brave,” shared Wendy Aplin and CJ Andrews, coowners of Andrews Barber Parlor. “Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the miracles you provide.”

Julie Francis, owner of Julie’s Zumba Studio was equally as touched by the children in our Escapes program. “I cried on the drive home – the event was so beautiful and overwhelming.”

Nearly 90 enCourage kids and family members were treated to a breakfast buffet provided by CJ’s Catering, admission to the Zoo, and of course, a visit with Santa. Photographs were taken throughout the morning by Nancy Dowdall, who often donates her time and talents at our Rochester area Escapes.

At our NYC party hosted at Clyde Frazier’s Wine & Dine, 200 enCourage kids and family members enjoyed crafts, lunch, a toy raffle, and a holiday themed photo booth. Musical entertainment was provided by Mike Butler, and Looney Lenny’s Clownorific made sure our guests were filled with smiles and laughter, including the Hutchinson family.

According to mom Marina, “the holiday party was lots of fun! I think I embarrassed my kids by singing along to all of the holiday songs, but then again they were singing along too! Everyone was in such good spirits and Looney Lenny was just hysterical!”

A magical visit from Santa topped off the afternoon, as each enCourage child and sibling received a special gift they had specifically requested.

“Seeing their faces light up like the Rockefeller Christmas tree was my gift this year,” explained volunteer and Santa’s special helper, Bernardo. “I’m so happy to share in the holiday spirit with all of the enCourage kids and families.”

And in New Jersey, nearly 200 members explored the Liberty Science Center, enjoying exhibits including Energy Quest, Hoberman Sphere, Eat or Be Eaten, Infection Connection, and many more. Each child enjoyed holiday themed crafts and music, and a visit from Santa.