TheVillage Celebrates Christmas in July with Fundraiser for Children

With temperatures in the 70’s and a much-needed rainfall relieving thirsty lawns and heat-weary residents, Christmas arrived in Pine Bluff over the weekend at a home decorated with lights, wreaths, and a Black Santa Claus.

“To spread joy all year-round is a blessing,” Tonya Lambert-Boyce said.

Guests at TheVillageCelebration’s Christmas in July party arrived with toys and gifts for the children enrolled in The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Early Head Start Child Care Partnership.

“The program is nearing the fourth year of implementation and serves 88 children with classrooms in Jefferson, Bradley, Drew, Chicot, Cleveland, Clark and Pulaski counties,” said Dr. Marilyn Bailey-Jefferson, executive director of the partnership.

Lambert-Boyce’s husband, Rev. Welton Boyce, recalled his days in Head Start in the 1960’s during the program’s beginning.

“When I was in Head Start  , we couldn’t go to the one in my town, Brinkley, Arkansas,” Rev. Boyce stated. “I went five miles away to Wheatley. We made stick men and mud pies, climbed trees and learned our ABC’s. We didn’t have to have toys, we felt blessed to have lunch.”

Several educators attended the Yuletide gathering. Pearlie Newton, a retired guidance counselor, remarked on the spirit of generosity associated with Christmas and the evening’s event as “a joyous occasion for the ones who attend and those who receive.”

Nationwide Chains Celebrate Christmas in July

The Christmas season is six months away, but more and more businesses are previewing that “wonderful time” of the year with Black Friday sales and Christmas in July specials. Walmart, Macy’s and Best Buy were a few of the national retailers using holiday billing to offer customers deals in the heat of the summer instead of only the day after Thanksgiving. And for those who look forward to decorating their Christmas tree, Hallmark Gold Crown Stores premiered the company’s Keepsake Ornament collection in July.

The Benefits of Early Childhood Education

But, the encouragement and well-being of area children were the focus of TheVillageCelebration’s party.

“Dr. Bailey-Jefferson said, “The goal of the program [UAPB’s Early Head Start Child Care Partnership] is to support low income and underserved families with quality early learning environments for their children while they are working or in school with the intent of moving families toward self-sufficiency.”

As guests mingled and the Christmas carols mixed with their laughter, Dorothy Armstrong, an educator with 43 years of experience, commented, “I believe early childhood education is very important. It’s where you can mold and develop a child. Even starting in the womb…it’s not too early.”