Third Annual Healthfirst Holiday Celebration Event

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Honesty Terwilliger was laughing heartily as a huge, contagious smile enveloped her face while dancing outside with the infamous, fully green clad Grinch character. The joyful moment captured the “why” essence behind the third Annual Healthfirst- in collaboration with Comfort Children Ministry International Inc.- Holiday Celebration Event Saturday afternoon.

“It was so much fun to dance with the Grinch,” explained seven year old Terwilliger after receiving her gift-one she was hoping was a stuffed animal- inside the Healthfirst facility.” I also really liked making a craft in the shape of a present to put on our Christmas tree; I’m now really excited for Christmas.”

The holiday, anticipation plant seeds, along with the magnetic smiles and unbridled joy that flooded the over 100 child participants, are the defining pieces behind its ongoing success. Featuring an outdoor hot chocolate station and uplifting, holiday melodies along with animated greeting by the Grinch, the venue continues indoors with a special age appropriate toy awarded to each child by fully costumed “Santa’s helpers,” elves and Mrs. Claus, a visit and photos with Santa, as well as a hands-on, fun opportunity to make a holiday ornament.

“Serving the community is the best part of this day,” exclaimed Ermelinda Cortes, who has been with TEAM Newburgh, one of event’s partners, for three and a half years, and was assisting with the marker coloring craft making- as well as providing critical literature on the importance of talking about (often) the dangers of drinking and smoking to children and passing out lock bags for medications- for her third time. “Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces; I absolutely love it each year.”

Those happy faces extended to parents and other adults accompanying children. They too were absorbing all of the positivity, community, hope and simply, genuine fun that transcended the day.

“This is so very helpful and a very nice thing to do,” said Ruby Ochoa of the City of Newburgh who was attending the event for the second year and was waiting in the toy line with her two daughters, sister and niece. “The kids are really excited to see what present they get, and seeing Santa gets them excited for Christmas.

Ochoa’s older daughter, 11 year old, Scarlett, pointed to still other treasure of the holiday celebration.

“I’ll be grateful for any present at all; it really doesn’t matter what it is because I’m just happy to be getting something,” said Scarlett, who writes her own poetry and was patiently awaiting being handed her gift. “I just really like the overall atmosphere here; it’s one of total jolliness.”

The memorable day provided 180 gifts-150 of which were provided by partner-Comfort Children Ministry Organization Inc.- to 210 children serving over 75 families. Pointing to the economic challenges many Newburgh families face, the Organization’s Founder/CEO, Cynthia James, who was on hand, personally delivering many of those deeply appreciated gifts, was quick to cite the integral need and priceless impact of venues like Saturdays.
“Comfort Children Ministry International Inc. ensures kids get gifts to help reduce stress during the holiday season,” said James. “This brings holiday magic to children who might otherwise miss out because their parents can’t afford it; this is where we come in and help.”

Pizza Mia and Cornerstone Family Healthcare rounded out the dedicated partners, adding to yet another year of the event’s success and countless smiles.

“We all support one another; Healthfirst support us and we them,” said Ralph Burnet, representing Cornerstone, providing blood pressure screenings and providing; pens, chapstick, hand sanitizer and tissues. “I just love seeing the kids happy, and Healthfirst does a very good job allowing the kids to get what they need. Those necessities go beyond the tangible.”

“The community really needs this,” said Cortes about the day’s powerful impact. “It’s especially true now when there is so much hardship going on; it gives people joy and hope which is something we all need.”  Photo Gallery