Heart of Florida Arbor (FL) helped support local teachers. One of its activities was hosting a coffee truck for a breakfast for Kingsford Elementary School students in December. Another activity was sponsoring a catered lunch for teachers at Purcell Elementary School. In addition, the arbor purchased dozens of gift cards for teachers.
Holland Arbor (OH) members had several activities. One involved playing Santa’s elves “to the tear-eyed gentle lady named Vickie Cluckey. She was very appreciative of the boxes of disposable diapers for her two young ones, ages 7 months and 2 years! A few small gifts for her were included.” The project included more than 10 generous hours of shopping by John Kozlaker’s daughter. Earlier, in November, arbor members Dan Atanacio, Jim Randall and John Kozlaker researched and purchased two propane tanks and heaters to assist Dr. Richard Paat with his weekly community health clinics held in tents in various Toledo-area neighborhoods where they treat families with little or no health insurance. 26
\ Spring 2021 \ Forum Magazine
Huron Shores Arbor (MI) helped save the local Christmas celebration for the city of Croswell. With all the usual Christmas and holiday parades in the area canceled due to COVID-19, the city asked the arbor to assist in a socially distanced alternative. “We met that challenge,” the arbor reported. Santa took a 2 ½-hour horse-drawn wagon ride through the streets of Croswell, waving to families as they stood on their porches or looked out their windows. Residents were encouraged to decorate their vehicles and, at dark, drive to the fairgrounds to enjoy fireworks. Immediately after the fireworks, residents participated in a decorated vehicle cruise with 350 vehicles which ended at the city of Croswell’s Christmas tree, where Santa was standing and waving to vehicles as they passed. Children were able to drop their Christmas letters in Santa’s mailbox while keeping a safe distance away. “It was a beautiful evening enjoyed by all.”
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