Carpentersville church party brings holiday joy to local kids in need
By Julie Mullen For The Courier-News December 18, 2011 7:02PM
Concepcion Lopez, of Carpentersville, helps to register visitors, Sunday, at a Christmas party for needy children at St. Monica Church in Carpentersville. | Dave Shields~For Suntimes Media.
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Updated: January 20, 2012 8:21AM
CARPENTERSVILLE — While some may say that expensive gifts and a huge feast is what Christmas is all about, Bill Wenzloff begs to differ.
Wenzloff, who headed an effort on Sunday that brought smiles to the faces of 450 needy children, said that pure giving is what the holiday is really based on.
“When you see what these children and their parents are going through, it’s tough,” Wenzloff said. “We wanted to be there for them, and help them have a fun time for a day.”
In a massive coordinated effort, the children and their families were welcomed at a holiday party held at St. Monica’s Catholic Church.
What was started 35 years ago by the church’s Holy Name Society men’s group has grown to include help from its Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Our Lady Sodality organizations.
“It’s really a huge joint effort,” said Wenzloff, grand knight of St. Monica’s Knights of Columbus Council 6248.
While kids enjoyed the food, face painting and magician at the event, most were waiting for Santa to call their name.
Each of the children received some time with St. Nick, and a wrapped gift. Some even left with a new coat, courtesy of the Illinois State Council Knight of Columbus,
“The coats were a surprise for the kids,” Wenzloff said. “We try to do more and more each year.”
Caring combination
The four church groups worked for the past several months to secure donations and funding to purchase the Christmas gifts.
Otto Engineering, the largest employer in the village, was a significant benefactor, and Piece-A-Cake Bakery of East Dundee provided sweet snacks.
Many of the toys were obtained from the Toys For Tots organization, as well as from Huntley Woodchucks and private donations from parishioners.
“It was really a combined effort,” Wenzloff said.
Families who wanted to attend had to sign up in advance. Many of them were already known to the church’s St. Vincent de Paul Society, which has a main aim of serving the poor.
While volunteers received hugs and thank-yous throughout the event, bringing a little Christmas cheer to families that are struggling was the only payback needed, Wenzloff said.
“This event allows us to reach out to the community in a way that is more personal than simply giving out presents,” he said. “It’s another way that we connect with people to share kindness, compassion and generosity.”
Carpentersville resident Marcelina Dominguez has brought her sons Brian, 10, and Isaac, 3, to the holiday event several years in a row.
Dominguez said she is so grateful to give her children a Christmas celebration they really don’t otherwise have.
“It is so nice, the way they do this. The kids are always so excited,” she said. “They just do a really nice job.”
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