East Haddam Christmas Tea and Children’s Fair raises funds for fuel and food banks

Enjoying a visit with Santa at the 2012 Christmas Tea and Children’s Fair are Mikayla Mitchell and Holly Coleman. Contributed photo.

First Church of Christ, East Haddam raised more than $1,250 for the East Haddam Fuel and Food Banks at its annual Christmas Tea and Children’s Fair on Dec. 8.

“The event was so much more than the money raised; it was feeling the spirit of Christmas, Community and giving that filled the day,” said the event’s organizers.

“To see the smiles on the faces of children shopping for presents to give to family or friends in their very own 25-cent store was heartwarming.”

Shoppers also enjoyed beverages, cookies and Christmas music performed by (L-R) Margaret Charney and Bud Haines in Santa and Mrs. Claus’ dining hall at the Dec. 8, 2012 Christmas Tea and Children’s Fair hosted by First Church of Christ East Haddam, that raised more than $1,250 for the East Haddam Fuel and Food Banks. Contributed photo.

The children could call on “personal shoppers” to help them pick gifts, and gift wrapping was provided.

Shoppers also enjoyed beverages, cookies and Christmas music performed by Margaret Charney and Bud Haines in Santa and Mrs. Claus’ dining hall.

Children also decorated cookies and made cards for veterans and shut-ins.

Photos with Santa were taken and then mounted in a frame of their choice.

Free-will donations, Christmas cookie sales and tea-cup raffle sales helped to raise the funds for the East Haddam fuel and food Banks.

Volunteer Sharon Fritz helps with the raffle at the 2012 Christmas Tea and Children’s Fair hosted by the First Church of Christ in East Haddam, CT. Contributed photo.

The church would like to thank all the participants, and especially… the local businesses that  helped with the success of this event: Ballek’s Garden Center, Country Market, Dunkin’ Donuts, Gelston House, Grist Mill Market, Hilltop Restaurant, Moodus Package Store, Nathan Hale Pharmacy, Shagbark, Stop & Shop – Colchester & East Hampton, Subway – Colchester, Susan’s Fine Salon & Gathering, Village Pizza and Westchester Market.

Posted December 15, 2012

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