By Ginger Peck, PLU Director of Auxiliary Services

While PLU’s December graduates filed into Olson for their graduation ceremony, over 793 kids filed into PLU’s East Campus to participate in the 23rd Annual Winterfest Celebration. While their parents went and shopped through donated batches of toys, clothes, hats, socks and gloves, kids made their way through gymnasium booths for face painting, a holiday craft, choosing a free book and reading a story with a volunteer. Speaking of volunteers over 200 volunteers from PLU, Parkland and beyond helped make Winterfest happen through setup, implementation and takedown. The event embodied a true community collaboration.
While Winterfest remains a community-based event, PLU put significant time and energy into making this day happen. Ginger Peck (Director of PLU Auxiliary Services) and Jackie Smith (manager of Heritage Bank) are the primary leads on the event. Tiffany Lemmon, of PLU’s Center for Community Engagement and Service also played an important role in planning and orchestrating all of the volunteers. Volunteers ranged from ages 7 to 76. Frank Hewins (PLU ‘86), Franklin Pierce School District’s superintendent pitched in, committing 6 hours of his 60th birthday to welcoming each of the families that participated in this year’s Winterfest! Cash and Gift in Kind donations from local businesses, Chamber chapters, rotaries, individuals and PLU offices made this event possible.

As we approach the holiday season, we are grateful for the many people that made Winterfest happen, sharing in joy and cheer with our community.