The Salvation Army’s Rathgeber Center was full of Christmas spirit at this year’s 5th Annual Snowy Shelter Soiree. The event, hosted by the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary, provided joy and a sense of normalcy for families who were staying at the shelter during the holiday season. More than 80 children and their families enjoyed the fun-filled afternoon of holiday delights as volunteers and families alike embraced the “Passport to Christmas” theme.
The Center was transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with beautiful decorations and a Christmas tree, assuring that everyone was in the holiday spirit. More than 30 volunteers, many dressed in festive holiday attire as elves, Nativity scene characters, Santa, and even the Grinch, were on hand to lead the activities.
Children enjoyed exploring the passport stations that were set up, each offering a different Christmas activity, including craft stations with options to make a Christmas ornament and a Nativity scene sticker craft, a hot chocolate station, a cookie station, a popcorn station, and a Santa photo station. The most memorable station, though, was the live Nativity scene that included the telling of the child’s version of the Christmas Story.
Andie Harding provided the perfect live Christmas music for the afternoon. Major Lewis Rickmen made his annual jolly appearance as Santa, and Jessica Patranella delighted guests as the Grinch, posing for lots of pictures.
Stephanie Esquivel, Community Relations Manager at the Salvation Army Austin, shared, “One of our biggest goals is to not only provide joy, but also a sense of normalcy during the holidays. We want families at the Rathgeber Center to feel at home and keep their holiday traditions while they’re staying with us. We want to provide hope, comfort, and care while they’re working to rebuild.”
Each child received a goodie bag containing a Prayer Bear, a “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” bracelet, and candy canes, special reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.
Opened in 2020, The Salvation Army Austin’s Rathgeber Center is a low-barrier, housing-focused emergency shelter for families with children experiencing homelessness. It is the largest facility of its kind in Central Texas, allowing fathers, mothers, and guardians to stay with their children during times of need. .
For more information, please visit salvationarmyaustin.org.
