 |
| Jeff Pfeil of the West Jefferson Community Association accepts a $1,000 donation for Christmas in the Park from Carol Beachy of West Jefferson Hardware. |
From the beginning, the idea behind West Jefferson’s Christmas in the Park has been to provide a low-cost, family-friendly event for the community.
There’s no admission to see the lights. During the kick-off celebration, charges for pictures with Santa, food and the carriage rides are small.
The West Jefferson Community Association, a non-profit organization, makes this possible with a dedicated corps of volunteers and the support of many generous sponsors.
"We start decorating in November," said Jeff Pfeil, Community Association president who along with other Association members and West Jefferson residents spends many a day and night getting the park ready.
A second crew comes each year from Orient Receiving Center. This year, the inmates spent 10 days installing a window, insulation and paneling in the gingerbread house, checking lights, wrapping tree trunks, cleaning up the park, and putting lights on the shelter house, Santa’s House, archways, pine trees and fences.
"These men do a lot of work in order to make Christmas in the Park happen. They also come back and help take down the decorations and store them for next year," Pfeil said.
What isn’t donated to the event in the form of time or materials, such as the electricity bill, new lights, carriage rides and pictures with Santa is covered by monetary contributions.
This year’s corporate sponsors are: Adams Decorative Creations, Jeff’s Lawn Service, Mike’s Trucking, Ohio PC Connection, SCH Electrical, Steak n Shake, United Rentals, West Jefferson Community Association and West Jefferson Hardware.
Additional sponsors include: Advantage Bank of London, American Legion, Arbors West, Buckeye Septic, Dennis Todd Painting, Esther Mae Baker, First Merit Bank, Forrest Trucking, Huntington National Bank, Jefferson Industries, John Brenneman, Krazy Glue Corp., Lifetime Vision Center, Loveless Rentals, Mabe’s Clothing, Madison Messenger, Stover Transportation, Subway, VFW Men’s Auxiliary, VFW Post 7005 and West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating.
"Every donation helps make the dreams come true of many children," said Cory Coburn, donor coordinator.
To learn more about the Community Association call 614-879-8818 and leave a message, log onto www.westjeffoxroast.com, or email webmaster@westjeffoxroast.com.
How to make a donation: Send donations to Christmas in the Park, P.O. Box 292, West Jefferson, Ohio 43162.
