In the true spirit of service, children, parents, staff and other volunteers of The Riverside Church will welcome underserved residents of Harlem’s Morningside Heights community to celebrate “Jesus’ Birthday†with food, gifts and an afternoon of fellowship, caroling, games and holiday cheer on Thursday, December 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive (bet. 120th & 122nd St.). The Church will also host two Christmas Eve services, a Children & Families Service at 4:00 p.m., and a Lessons & Carols Service at 8:00 p.m.
Church staff and volunteers serve guests a nutritious meal and provide an afternoon of entertainment. This year all of the food has been graciously donated by caterer Pasha Events, which is owned by Paul Nicaj—proprietor of the Battery Gardens in Battery Park. Nicaj will also participate in the event. This Christmas celebration enables children in the foster care system, children living in New York City shelters and those with parents who are infected with the AIDS epidemic to share in the joy of the holiday season.
Eight years ago, the Reverend Pat Lawson, head of the Church’s Children and Families Ministry, had a vision of spreading holiday cheer to people in need. What started out as a small gathering of 150 guests has grown into a true community event that serves over 2,000 children and adults. In order for this festive celebration to remain successful, The Riverside Church relies on donations of toiletries, winter clothing, toys, books and school supplies.
