Waukegan Y Hosts “Reason for the Season” Program Dec. 21
The community is invited to join in a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas at a free family-oriented program of music and dance on Friday, Dec. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northern Lake YMCA, 2000 Western Ave., Waukegan.
Lake County Family YMCA Program Director Devin Johnson says the original idea for “Reason for the Season” was to create a positive attitude at this very special time of the year for the children participating in the Y’s PEAK after-school program. “Many of these kids have been with us a long time. We wanted them to have a fond memory while reminding them what the season is really about,” Johnson adds. “We then decided to open the program to include community attendance and participation.”
This special event will feature a musical performance by the PEAK students. They’ll be joined by pastors who are members of the Y and groups from the community including: an invocation by the Rev. Jimmie Williams of Heavenly Places, North Chicago; the Rev. Bobby Garland of Crusaders Ministries, Chicago, who will reflect on the true meaning of the season; instrumental music by a group of Waukegan elementary students; and youth dance groups from Christian Fellowship of Lake County, Waukegan, which also is donating the sound system for the event.
There’ll also be a group sing-a-long in which all attendees can participate as well as
refreshments in the Multi-Purpose Room, arts & crafts activities in the Kids’ Zone and Christmas-themed games for grade-school aged children in the gym. In addition, those in attendance will be able to take home a Megallo 3D board game thanks to a large donation of the strategy games suitable for two players ages 10+.
Persons interested in joining the program by donating their talents (singing, playing a musical instrument, dancing) or goods may contact Johnson at Northern Lake YMCA by calling (847) 775-7109. In addition to the sound system, early donations include refreshments from El Ranchito Michoacano restaurant in Waukegan and the Megallo board games from Dr. Telly Courialis.
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The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Chartered in 1912 as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit, our association is comprised of the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills and Northern Lake YMCA in Waukegan. To learn more, visit www.ymcalakecounty.org