January 26, 2022

Siria Ana Rivera – Executive Director, Providence Center

Providence Center is a sponsored ministry of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

Christmas week at Providence Center was full of holiday cheer. After-school program staff were hard at work wrapping presents and transforming our community room into a winter wonderland. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 concerns, we could not have our annual in-person Christmas party. Nevertheless, this did not stop us from spreading Christmas cheer and providing hope and joy for so many of our after-school families.

We organized a “walk-up” Christmas party, allowing families to participate in the festivities in a safe, socially distanced manner. They picked up bags of Christmas presents for every child, a small gift for parents, and a warm meal for the entire family. Families were also able to take photos with our Christmas tree, decorated by staff and after-school students themselves!

Ms. Fernandez, an after-school parent, came to our Christmas event with her three children, Bryan, Kevin, and Aidalis. After taking family photos and receiving their gifts, she thanked us and said, “I love Providence Center! You always come through for me and my family.”

While we wish that we could’ve held our annual in-person Christmas party, we are so grateful that we were able to safely engage with our students and their families. We are thankful to our community partners and donors for helping us bring the Christmas spirit to Providence Center this year.