By Terry Haas | President
2019 PAGA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
A much-awaited annual Christmas Activity of PAGA has brought joy to the PAGA community, the beneficiaries and their families, stakeholders, and sponsors. The celebrations were held on December 07, 2019, Saturday at McDonald’s Greenbelt 1 for Makati beneficiaries while for the Angeles-based beneficiaries, it was held on December 14, 2019 at McDonald’s Dau, Pampanga.
December 07 Christmas Activity at McDonalds Greenbelt 1
A pre-Christmas Activity was the arts and craft workshop facilitated by Trustee Ms. Pagkalinawan, who brought art materials to be used by the children. Christmas decor designed by the students from the Christmas pattern shown by Ms. Pagkalinawan were all colorful and beautifully made. The students who participated in the arts and crafts were all happy because they were able to enhance their skills and imagination resulting in Christmas decor.
The celebration started with a prayer by Gr. 12 student Ms. Duenog, followed with a warm welcome by ED Bajar and Christmas messages from Mr. Holz, PAGA Chairman and Mr. Haas, PAGA President. There were games for kids and adults which they enjoyed a lot and got more excited with the raffle draws. Kids received a cash gift from this year’s Santa Claus' - Mr Haas, Mr. Holz, Ms. Pagkalinawan and Ms. Thorssen.
Dr. Cutter and Ms. Nobbley, both AAP Trustees and faculty members of the College of Dentistry - National University, gave Christmas messages and took the opportunity to convey the initial information on the partnership with PAGA on the scheduled Dental Program.
The activity ended with closing remarks by Ms. Pagkalinawan and a closing prayer by parent Mrs. Combs.
A total of 94 PAGA beneficiaries, families, friends ,and benefactors were in attendance.
Christmas baskets with Noche Buena goodies were distributed at the PAGA office after the activity. Each family also received clothing and shoes donations.
December 14 Christmas Party at McDonalds Dau – Pampanga
Everybody was excited with the annual Christmas activity and enjoyed the fun filled celebration. Prayer was led by Gr. 12 student Lising. Ms. Bajar, PAGA Executive Director gave the warm welcome remarks followed by the Christmas message by PAGA President Mr.Haas. Ms.Thorssen, Trustee, gave a Christmas message too, her first time to meet Angeles based beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries participated in the games and got excited with the raffle draws. Special presentations were rendered by beneficiaries who really practiced for the activity. This shows their initiative and willingness to show their talent and skills in dancing and singing. Performers were surprised with the cash gift from ED Bajar and Ms.Thorssen.
The beneficiaries were all thankful for the cash gift, goodies, Christmas basket and clothing donations handed to them by Mr. Haas, Ms. Thorssen, PAGA member Mrs. Murphy, and ED Bajar as Santa Claus.
On behalf of Angeles based beneficiaries, parent Mrs. Miller, gave a message thanking PAGA for all the assistance given to them; that they appreciate this, and it helps them a lot. The activity was attended by 52 beneficiaries, family members and supporters.
The activity ended with closing Remarks and a closing prayer by Mrs. Murphy.
The two celebrations were fun filled gatherings where everyone had yet another experience being with the PAGA community in the celebration of Christmas.
The total expenses for Makati and Angeles Christmas celebrations was USD $1,776, $1,325 of which was raised by the GlobalGiving campaign.
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