Childrens Christmas Party Brightens Holidays for Struggling Families

Reposted from The Pantagraph

By Mike Matejka, McLean County Museum of History

Santa’s appearance has brought joy to McLean County children for 41 years at the annual Children’s Christmas Party, aimed to serve low-income families. This year’s event is Saturday, Dec. 9. Uniquely, this annual event is a labor-management cooperation project, with local unions and businesses uniting to serve the community.

In 1982 the national unemployment rate was 10.8%. In McLean County lay-offs were rampant and there was little work in factories or on construction sites. That fall, John Penn, then the Laborers Local 362 business manager, and members Roger Nelson, your author and the late Ronn Morehead were discussing a Christmas party for construction trades workers because the previous work season was dismal.

Penn took the proposal to another level. Chairing the McLean County Chamber of Commerce was the late union contractor Patricia Wannemacher of Wannemacher Electric, the first woman Chamber head.

Could both labor and management work together to serve all those in need? Wannemacher quickly agreed.

It was a wary day when the union delegation walked into a lunch meeting with one woman, Wannemacher, and the Chamber board, all men in their dark suits. Weren’t these two groups supposed to oppose each other?

As Penn and Wannemacher laid out the plans the atmosphere warmed, a cooperative attitude that continues today.

The all-volunteer party features activities, games, a visit by Santa, gifts, candy, and fruit for each child and always is open to any family in need.

That first year 700 children were served in two shifts at Bloomington High School with morning and afternoon programs on Dec. 18, 1982. The Pantagraph reported that “thousands of toys, 40 cases of fruit, 30 cases of candy, gallons of soft drink and mounds of popcorn were distributed to needy children under 12 years of age.”

Bill Wills, then a Pantagraph editor, and the late Sam Van Scoyoc, a banker, vied to run the popcorn machine.

In 1983 there was a two-shift party again, but by 1984 the economy was improving and the Christmas party became a morning event. It continued as a regular holiday tradition every second Saturday in December until the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Bloomington High School and District 87 were always cooperative in extending the school for community use.

For those 35 years, approximately 300 to 400 children participated annually at BHS. The numbers varied as the economy moved either up or down.

The continual goal was to provide as much activity at the lowest cost with funds raised reserved for toy purchases.

At the high school, the first hour was interactive fun.

Kari Sandhaas, Bonnie Bernardi and other art friends helped children make holiday cards. Artists David Dow and Jim Neeley helped the youngsters create ornaments.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation workers brought various games, including a putting green, Frisbee throws and basketball hoops. Face painting always had a long line.

The Children’s Discovery Museum and the McLean County Museum of History hosted activities, along with numerous other community groups. Lionel electric trains zoomed with children controlling them via push buttons.

Costumed characters like Ronald McDonald, Woodsy Owl, Smokey Bear, the Lions Club lion and Winnie the Pooh roamed the room.

Local higher education institutions were involved. Reggie Redbird brought Illinois State University student athletes who led the games. Illinois Wesleyan University donated fruit. Heartland Community College’s Hawk often attended, and faculty members who are Chinese helped youngsters write their name in Chinese characters.

Uniformed fire and law enforcement officers from the Bloomington, Normal, ISU and McLean County sheriff’s departments greeted families.

After the activity hour in the BHS cafeteria, families gathered in the school’s auditorium. Over the years there were cartoons, karate demonstrations, dance, and BHS choir students leading a singalong.

Updates on the location of Santa’s sleigh via radar were given by Central Illinois Regional Airport’s director, Carl Olson, which heightened anticipation. A hearty rendition of “Jingle Bells” brought Santa, and the distribution of toys and gifts commenced.

Children left with not only toys and sweets but also school backpacks, mittens and hats. Avanti’s also donated sandwiches for all the attendees to carry home for lunch.

Originally donning the red suit was late Bloomington Fire Fighters Local 49 member Joe Hoenieges, who was succeeded by still active Carpenters 237’s Don Alsman, Electricians 197’s Don Armstrong, and most recently, local attorney Joe McCarron. Mrs. Claus is always exuberantly handled by Jennifer McCarron from Business Builders.

The holidays were brightened for families in need, and union and business volunteers worked side by side to raise money, pack toys and candy, distribute the goodies, and clean up. This helped build positive relations between the two sectors.

The Chamber continues as the fiscal agent with money donated through the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.

With COVID’s outbreak in 2020 the annual event transferred to the Midwest Food Bank as a drive-thru distribution. The Pantagraph assumed a major sponsorship role beginning that year, and Ferraro continues to donate candy.

Registered families received a box preloaded with toys and candy, plus a food basket. In 2022, 1,900 children were registered.

Registration is closed for this year’s event.

Numerous businesses, unions and individuals contribute annually to meet expenses and send members for this all-volunteer effort. The Prairie Community Foundation accepts donations for the party, either by check, or online.

The holidays can bring their cheer to many households. Those struggling to meet expenses and expectations often need the good cheer the Children’s Christmas Party delivers.

Illinois Prairie Community Foundation serves as fiscal sponsor for the Children’s Christmas Party. If you would like to support the fund’s mission, please donate online.