Christmas and community spirit have come to the halls of the Venango County Human Services offices.
This year’s Christmas decorating effort is truly a community one, with hundreds of students and volunteers participating.
Human Services’ Christmas decorating committee decided to do something a little different this year, said Sara Bell, chair of the decorating committee.
“My goal for this year was to use this opportunity as an outreach activity for the community,” Bell said. Decorations were previously limited to one area and this year they extend down all the hallways of the county building, she said.
“When you walk into the Human Services Complex, you are greeted by the spirit of Christmas. The service providers did a fantastic job decorating and providing Christmas trees this year,” said Loni Beer, the Human Services resource communication officer.
“The Regional Counseling Center’s Christmas tree features homemade ornaments with what they are thankful for on the back. I have read every one of them and some of them made me cry, ” Beer said.
Students in the Cranberry, Franklin and Valley Grove school districts created 336 snowflakes and colored 3D ornaments that hang from the ceilings in the building and along the walls.
Hasson Heights Elementary students in Oil City created 42 mixed media art pieces that are displayed on the walls of the main lobby area.
Children who attend various Child Development Centers sites donated additional artwork, Bell said.
This year, the decorating committee brought service providers into the Christmas project, as well, and each provided an artificial tree that showcased its mission.
“Throughout the years of working with individuals in their homes and in the community, I often find people are often unaware of the wonderful agencies and supports that are available in our community,” Bell said.
More than one dozen agencies participated and each used their own funds – no county tax dollars were used, Bell said.
A contest identified the winner – a Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association tree created by Jill Rhoads and her assistants.
A trophy for the winner was made by the residents of Polk Center’s VRS Ceramics Shop. Smaller appreciation gifts are being planned for all participants through Polk Center’s ceramics shop with mirrored bases donated by Venango Glass.
Venango County Sherriff Eric Foy and Julie Thompson from the tax claims office acted as judges in the competition.
“Everyone that enters our building is greeted to a warm and welcoming environment that is a reflection of the employees in this building, the providers that we contract services with and the individuals that we serve,” Bell said.
Christmas decorating committee members include Amy Aikens, Marie Plumer, Matthew Haines, Melissa Confer, Pamela Haux, Sara Bell, Shannon Mahoney and Terri Mucio.
Agencies that participated in the tree decorating contest include The Arc of Clarion & Venango Counties, Community Resources for Independence, Community Services of Venango County, CSP (Community Support Program), Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Family Services and Children’s Aid Society, Family Services of Northwest PA, Hand in Hand Christian Counseling, Helpmates, Mustard Seed Mission, Regional Counseling Center and VARHA.
