Tis the Season We’re glad to help!
Tis a busy time of year with lots of shopping, baking, Christmas festivals and caroling. It is also time to think of those that may need a little cheer in their life. Once again the Paragon Optimist Club has sent decorated Christmas cards to the Veterans at the Veterans Hospital in Cincinnati. At a club meeting we wrote a cheerful message, signed and decorated 356 Christmas cards. It was a wonderful time listening to music and remembering those that have served.
This year we are also happy that we could provided Christmas gifts to various local families, and that we had the time to place wreaths on those that served our country.
Pat B
Paragon Christmas Fun
Red. Green. Blue. Animals. Santa Claus. Snowmen. Scissors snip. Snip. Christmas music. Laughing. Teasing. Were some of the sights and sounds from our meeting tonight. As I reflect on this wonderful evening, I’m reminded of everything that led us here. Our club has been so busy the last month in a half or so. The kind of busy that is fun and heartwarming.
Early in November we signed up to buy items from the adopt-a-family’s wish lists that the local school provided to us. The items were brought in so they could be checked off the master list. This is to make sure no items were missed. Making me think of how Santa Claus checks his list twice J! There were pants, shoes, socks, games, crafts, magnetic darts and so much more.
In mid-November we signed Christmas cards. These were to go out to our fellow Optimist club officials, local city government offices and many others we have been involved with over the years. I myself was going to do a separate Christmas activity where I help send cards to deployed and wounded soldiers. However, I had some health issues and I was not sure if I could sign the cards and bring it to my friend’s house. So, I came early and asked a few members to help me sign the seven boxes of cards. Everyone jumped in to help and all the cards were signed. When I took the cards to my friend’s house, we decorated them with stamps, tape and stickers. In total we did over four hundred cards!
And now it is December, and the night that made me reminisce where we wrapped the adopt-a-family presents. The evening was started off by eating tacos as a fellowship meal. Then we held our normal meeting. After that we went into the other room were all the gifts were laid out. Each child had their own table, with their items ready to be wrapped. Each table had a print out of labels with each child’s name. There was a large black bag labeled with each child’s name to hold all the presents. Once everyone was situated the wrapping began. Care was taken to use lots of different types of paper. Members pared off and helped each other. There was singing and laughing. When we were finished it was awesome to look at all the gifts that were on the tables. The gifts were placed in the large black bags. We had to get second bags because there was so many!
As we approach the new year, the thing that I think about from all this is the fun times I have had. This club does so much good for our community. These women do so much to help support their members. They are special and dear to my heart!
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!
Pat B.
Tis the season
For as long as I can remember our Club has provided children in need with gifts over the holidays. This kind of gift giving can tie us to the historic figure Saint Nicholas. Who knew that Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century saint? His legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus (“Saint Nick”). We are far from saints, but are truly blessedthat we are able to give to those who need!
