Members bring holiday cheer to Canticle Place

Linda Legner and Joanna Williams 

On Monday evening, December 19, eight "Secret Santas" traveled to Canticle Place in Wheaton, representing Assistance League of Chicagoland West in the annual Operation Friendship holiday party. The CP residents prepared dinner and dessert for their ALCW friends and shared an evening of camaraderie by the Christmas Tree. The celebration is an annual tradition that brings smiles and gratitude all around. 




Betty Cronin wrote, 


  "WE (ALCW members who so generously donated) helped make their Christmas at Canticle Place. We heard this from all the residents who attended!

  Diane Mrozek, Phyllis Young, Betty Cronin, Joanna Williams, Maureen Haggerty, Carla Feinkind, Linda Legner and Mary Parsons attended the Christmas Party. We had a wonderful time sharing Christmas joy with the residents. We also had many laughs over the Gift exchange that they had set up for the members of ALCW.

  The presents were assembled under the tree - then later in the evening ALCW members helped move the gifts to the residents' private apartments to be opened privately. I cannot thank everyone who contributed enough for your generosity. It was unbelievable how fortunate we are to have such wonderful members. I have given lists of everything contributed to Ricki for her calculations of In-Kind, but my rough estimates show that members donated about $5,000 in individual gifts, food and gift certificates for the 14 residents. In addition, our budget of $1,000 for Operation Friendship will be given to the residents for food over the coming tough winter months.

  All the residents attended with the exception of Alicia and Ken who were at the hospital because of Alicia's failing health and John Aguilar, who returned later from work. I have also sent along the THANK YOUs from the residents who are truly grateful."

Diane Mrozek and Betty Cronin 

Linda  with Maureen Hegarty

Mary Parsons with friends