Boys Town Washington

The Joys of Christmas Come to Washington, D.C.

Generosity and the spirit of Christmas fueled the merry atmosphere at Boys Town Washington, D.C.'s tree lighting celebration, Dec. 13.

"We wanted to bring joy to the faces and hearts of our youth and families during this holiday season," said Lyn Corbett, Boys Town Washington, D.C., Executive Director. "It was wonderful that at the event they were able to have their Christmas wishes granted."

After an opening prayer from Monsignor Joseph Ariano, some of the youth shared poems about what Christmas means to them and songs to usher in the season.

"The whole affair was first class," said Ariano, a Boys Town alumnus. "It was a grand occasion for the youth to understand the generosity of those in the past who have brought us here today."

Thanks to the kindness of local volunteers and contributors, the Boys Town campus was transformed into Santa's workshop in the North Pole. Santa rode in on a sleigh to greet the excited children of all ages and distribute presents.

"You could really feel the spirit and joy of the season in the air," said Cynthia Davis, Boys Town Washington, D.C., Development Director. "To be present was truly a humbling and moving experience."

"The kids really seemed to enjoy showing off the new campus," said Aleizha Batson, a member of the new board and a volunteer whose organization wrapped the gifts given to the kids and provided Santa Claus. "They all really appreciated the many friends that Boys Town Washington, D.C. has."

"The night certainly would not have been so successful without the tremendous generosity of our event sponsor, T-Mobile and volunteers from The Capital City Chapter Links, Inc., and the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority," said Corbett. Community leaders such as Harry Thomas, incoming councilmember for Ward 5, and Timothy Thomas, ANC Commissioner, also made special appearances.

"Our youth learned about and experienced the true joy the Christmas season can bring," said Davis.

Boys Town Washington, D.C., recognizes The Capital City Chapter Links, Inc., Shari Sheffield Corresponding Secretary; Aleizha Batson, Services to Youth Co-Chair; Stephanie Myers, Development Committee Co-Chair, and Lyn Corbett, Boys Town Washington, D.C., Executive Director, for their involvement with Boys Town programs.