By Linda Whitmore
For Dennis Downey, Silverton Together’s Celebration of Families is “all about the kids.” He loves seeing Christmas through children’s eyes.
Downey has helped out at the event for more years than he can remember, maybe 15, ever since he became active with the Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce. The event, which took place Dec. 12 in the Silverton Community Center, is a joint venture of the chamber and Silverton Together.
Each year Downey dresses up in a reindeer hat, red pants that say “Ho, ho, ho” all over them, a red shirt and striped scarf. It’s all for fun.
Some of the little ones are overwhelmed when they arrive at the busy, noisy event. “My job is to reassure them,” he said. “When the kids get there, they look up and see a goofball in a funny hat and it relaxes them.”
Downey guides the timid ones to the doorway and lets them peek in to see what’s going on, then, when they are assured it’s going to be alright, he shows them the crafts they can participate in or takes them to sit on Santa’s knee. “Santa and I are really good friends.”
There are lots of arts and crafts to do. The children make paper angels and wreaths. They decorate cookies or neckties to give their dads.
“There are many, many more crafts kids can make to give. A lot of these kids couldn’t buy anything to give,” Downey said. “It’s all about the smiles, holiday spirit, more smiles – and, of course – cookies!”
Each child received a gift to take home, too. Downey said there are several volunteers who give “direction, help the children with their crafts, give them their gift bags and encourage them to have a wonderful day.”
And there’s the Christmas tree judging, too. Businesses and residents donate fully decorated trees.
Participants vote for their favorites and awards are presented. “All the trees are special,” he said, “because they are given away to families who may not have been able to get one.”
With the event stored in the memory books for 2009, Downey looks forward to next year.
“If you need anything to get you into the Christmas spirit, Celebration of Families is it,” he said. “It’s absolutely magical.”
