Norton Holds 17TH Annual Holiday Party For
Disadvantaged Children on Capitol Hill TUESDAY
December 18, 2007

 

Washington, DC- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will welcome Santa and 250 of D.C.'s homeless children and kids most in need to her annual "D.C. Children's Christmas Party on the Hill," complete with costumed figures, fun and games, TOMORROW, Tuesday, December 18, 2007, from 11 AM to 2 PM in Room 345 of the Cannon House Office Building (Independence & New Jersey Avenues, S.E.).  Entertainment will be provided by Santa Claus, a clown, the D.C. United Mascot, the GEICO Gecko, and the Thompson Elementary School Choir.

 

"Christmas is a season for children and the time for me to bring our own D.C. children to the Capitol to help with gifts.  It's always a hard time for their families, but they are particularly feeling the crunch of a declining national economy this year," said Norton.  "The kids who will be attending are among those who need us and our nonprofits most, especially at Christmas.  I particularly relish bringing our children to the Capitol.  Their parents may not have a vote, but I want these D.C. kids to understand from an early age that this is their Capitol, too, and perhaps even more, because they live in the nation's capital."

 

Among the many groups bringing children are the Anacostia Community Outreach Center, Covenant House Washington, the Edward Mazique Day Care Center, United Planning Organization, and the Barbara Chambers Children's Center. 

 

Congresswoman Norton said that she particularly appreciated the many organizations, businesses and individuals who have made donations to make the party a success.  The children will receive winter clothing and toys donated by the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Program and local businesses.  These include: D.C. United, Screaming Eagles, Chevy Chase Bank, DNC, PEPCO, Fannie Mae Foundation, GEICO, Safeway, Giant Foods, Fort Lincoln Newtown Corporation, Washington Gas Light Company, WMATA, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Amtrak, AFL-CIO, and Coca-Cola.  The Congresswoman also praised the many D.C. United and GEICO employee volunteers who will help throw the massive party and pass out food and gifts.