Families celebrate for holidays at special party

About 180 families in transitional housing celebrated the holidays Saturday at the annual Homeless Children's Trust Christmas party at AEGON.

“Just to see the big smiles for her to open presents it's a wonderful feeling,” said participant Calie Keefe of her daughter.

With homelessness up 24 percent over last year, giving Christmas presents is tough for many more families this year.

“I'm not surprised because of where we are with the economy,” said Homeless Children's Trust Council Vice President Sheila Schmidt.

Schmidt said every child registered for the party would receive a gift. Several local businesses donated items.

Keefe was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate.

“We're cooped up a lot so we get to have fun with the kids and they get to hear fun and not worry about anything,” she said.

For the past three years, 10-year-old volunteer Destiny VanBeek has been trying to give back by helping at the party.

“We gave a big Christmas every year and I have lots of presents and I like kids to have that too,” Destiny said.

While kids were enjoying the holiday festivities, a group of parents were able to go shopping with $25 gift cards given to them by the Trust Council. Organizers said that allows parents to be part of the gift-giving tradition.