FOR RELEASE: Friday, Dec. 13, 2018
CONTACT: Charlene Shields, Director, CONG Family Programs, 720-250-1190 or 303-895-4784
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Gifts donated by residents of Denver Metro communities and businesses will help the Colorado National Guard Family Programs office provide holiday presents for CONG families in need Dec. 14, 2019, in both Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Santa Claus said he will be on site bringing holiday cheer from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The annual CONG Santa Shop is from 9 a.m. to noon, while supplies last at: the Denver Armory, 5275 Franklin Street, Denver, CO 80216; and, the Northern Colorado Springs Readiness Center, 9510 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.
“Colorado’s National Guard families make many sacrifices so that their service members can support the warfight and protect our homeland,” The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Loh said. “Family programs like the Santa Shops are one way our community members can help our National Guard families enjoy the holidays even though their loved ones may be deployed.”
The annual Santa Shops provide CONG parents the opportunity to “shop” for their children and CONG children to “shop” for their parents – all at no cost. CONG FP volunteers assist the children with gift selection and wrapping while the parents are in a separate room. This allows the children to experience the rewards of gift-giving.
Hot chocolate, cookies and crafts are available to attendees throughout the event.
Local businesses and residents donated gifts.
For those unable to attend a Santa Shop, non-profit organizations can still help CONG members and their families. Contact Family Programs Contractor Suzanne Buemi for eligibility at 720-250-1186.