Get in the Christmas spirit this Tuesday as the Junior Auxiliary of McMinnville hosts its 40th Christmas in The Park celebration.
Junior Auxiliary Vice President Holly Palombo (Puh-lumbo) said the celebration is a free event filled with Christmas activities and decorations. Palombo said the event is more than just a holiday celebration.
“You know, not every child is going to have the opportunity, maybe to go get pictures made with Santa or experience bounce houses, or shop downtown otherwise,” Palombo said. “So we just thought it was really important to get a free event going.”
Palombo said the auxiliary will also be offering luminaries of love, which people for just $10 can honor lost loved ones. Palombo said proceeds go toward the auxiliary’s mission in helping kids and their families throughout the community.
“Most of that will go towards Crown Club, which is something that we do once a month with the girls that live in the projects near the Hamilton Street Center,” Palombo said. “So that’s for girls 6th-12th grade, and once a month, we either go to them, or we take them out somewhere, and we try to just broaden their horizon. One of our mottos is care for today, care for tomorrow, so whether we are taking them to tour TCAT or we rent out the movie theatre for them to go watch a movie, cause that might not be something that they get to do.”
Palombo said the auxiliary also helps students who are transitioning from high school to college and helps cover expenses that scholarships do not cover. Palombo said there is a need in Warren County for services that the auxiliary provides.
“A lot of it is just the socio-economic status,” Palombo said. “So you know, by the time all of the necessities are covered, there might not be enough money to go out and buy a warmer coat, or go out and experience some of these other events, or opportunities, like just something as simple as the movie theatre.”
Palombo said the auxiliary is made up of 32 members and the non-profit has made a significant impact on the lives of children in the community. The event takes place in downtown McMinnville on Tuesday from 6pm-8pm.