For many, Christmas is one of the most joyous times of the year; yet for others it is one of the loneliest.
To help those who are in pain or suffering, Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church will offer comfort with its annual Blue Christmas service from 5 to 6 p.m. on Sunday in the church Fellowship Hall. The community is invited.
The evening will inspire with music, worship and reflection, aiming to give hope and comfort even in the midst of hardship and challenge; and promoting healing, balance and well-being for everyone experiencing anxiety, stress and sorrow. The Rev. Melissa Smith will lead the service of healing and hope that offers a place for quiet reflection and peace during the holiday season.
Visit the church website at canyonhillspc.org for additional information. The church is on Fairmont Boulevard and Santa Ana Canyon Road.
Christmas Eve plans at Canyon Hills Presbyterian
Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church has three Christmas Eve Worship Services planned and all worshippers are welcome.
These include a 10 a.m. worship, a 3 p.m., All-Family Christmas Story in Song and Music service and a 10 p.m. candlelight and Communion worship.
Services will be led by Rev. Melissa Smith and Rev. Matt Moncrief. Visit canyonhillspc.org for additional information.
Ebell Club helps spread holiday cheer
Members of the Ebell Club of Canyon Hills have participated in several community service projects to help make the holidays a little brighter for those in need.
During the December general meeting, members once again made monetary and/or gift card donations to the Senior Santa and Friends organization for low-income seniors, as well as donations of unwrapped toys for Operation Santa. First Vice President, Philanthropy Nancy Bertocchini will deliver these items to the service groups.
Club members and guests also joined in a holiday luncheon and gift exchange, arranged by Fourth Vice Presidents, Programs Gayle Cornejo and Sue Shuckhart.
Other recent philanthropic projects included several members packing 1,300 boxes of food at the Orange County Food Bank, which delivers food to the elderly and those in need within Orange County.
Membership in the nonprofit is open to all women in the community interested in fun, friendship and the community. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of the month in the Fellowship Hall at Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church. Mary Ohanian and Sharon Algeo are co-third vice presidents, membership. The next meeting is Jan. 8.
Joy Lais is current club president. For additional information about the Ebell Club or membership, email her at nogreaterjoy@hotmail.com.
Anaheim library system honored for youth program
Congratulations to Anaheim Public Library, the recent recipient of the Orange County Business Council’s Public-Private Partnership Award, which is selected from several outstanding public agencies nominees. The library received the honor for its 2022 Foster Youth Initiative during the OC Business Council’s 13th annual Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet Awards.
The Foster Youth Initiative, spearheaded by Principal Librarian Monica Sanchez during her previous role as teen librarian at the Central Library, began in 2020 in an effort to directly serve foster youth within Anaheim and surrounding areas through community outreach. As a result, library cards titled “We’re Here for You” were made available only for foster youth and youth in need — which encompasses foster youth, homeless, temporary housing or emancipated youth, enabling them to check out library materials without a parent or guardian.
The Anaheim Public Library further served foster youth in 2022 through its holiday partnerships with CASA OC and Orangewood Foundation by collecting household items, self-care items, clothing and Amazon gift cards. It also partnered with Covenant House Anaheim location last year to distribute temporary long-term loans of Chromebooks for its residents.
Youth organization sees growth
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress has had several notable successes this year in its effort to better serve kids and families in Anaheim, including the launching of nine new clubhouses on several elementary school campuses within the Magnolia School District.
Another accomplishment this year resulting from several corporate partnerships including ATT and Disney, allowed for expansion of the Club’s STEM and Workforce Development programs. The elimination of fees for the club’s teen programs — teen attendance is expected by double by the end of this year — was yet another milestone.
According to Chuck Emanuele, board chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress, board members are gearing up for their annual major fundraising event, “Moving Forward,” a festive evening including dinner and auction scheduled for 6 p.m. March 23 at the ARTIC station in Anaheim. This special evening will honor the Anaheim Ducks on their 30th year and celebrate Outstanding Club Youth Achievements.
For further information or sponsorships email the Club at info@theBoysandGirlsClub.org.
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail (smhlapcich@sbcglobal.net).
