CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

An invitation to the annual Christmas party is mailed to all the elders of the tribe. The parents of tribal children living within 90 miles of Miami receive a personal invitation and a toy request form. Every child that returns a request form receives a toy and treat bag at the party.

INFORMATION

The annual Peoria Children's Christmas party was held on Saturday December 1, 2007.  87 Peoria children and their families enjoyed a delightful afternoon of lunch, entertainment, and gifts from Santa. The elders, this year, assisted me by wrapping gifts and filling treat bags.  On the day of the party, Peoria staff volunteers along with Peoria Tribal Member volunteers served lunch and refreshments and helped Santa distribute gifts. This year our entertainment Tangles the Magician did some magic for the kids and helped the children listen for Santa and his reindeer.

Profits from the sale of Peoria bottled water; conference room rent and donations received from tribal members are used to fund the Christmas party. The elders, this year, assisted me by wrapping gifts and filling treat bags.  Tribal office staff helped this year by serving refreshments and helping Santa pass out gifts. We combine our decorations with those of the Drug Elimination Program of The Peoria Housing Authority, the Miami Tribe and new this year, High Winds Casino, to have a beautifully decorated building that can be used for all four Christmas parties. There is one final clean up after the last of the three Christmas parties.

Submitted by:
Mandie Ferguson, Children's Christmas Party Coordinator