T.C. Williams Key Club members at Deck the Halls: Top from left are Nercy Paz, Emily Rodriguez, Roxana Ramirez and Ekua Biney; bottom from left are Sidrah Hamid, Cindy Do, and Maimona Maham. Photo by Rikki George
The Campagna Center’s version of Deck the Halls is more than a spirited holiday song. It is a 46-year-old classic tradition supported by many Alexandrians, friends and family, and neighborhood newcomers.
In fact, Deck the Halls is the grand finale of five December events regarded as the Scottish Walk Weekend. With the exception of the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, famous for its marching units of Scottish clans and bagpipes, the other four events raise funds through ticket sales, donations and raffles to support the Campagna Center, according to Casey Kincheloe, creative director of Pivot Point Communications.
The lineup, which has helped raise $200,000 in the past, includes Heather and Green where holiday wreaths and garlands are available for sale. The Taste of Scotland features ale sampling and a Scotch-tasting menu direct from Scottish distilleries. And people can explore Old Town’s homes decked out by interior designers and local florists with the Holiday Tour of Homes.
Deck the Halls with Santa, held Dec. 10 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s Horton Hall, has a different twist each year but always with children in mind. “One year, it was held at the Masonic Temple,” said Santa, who on that occasion shared the stage with Elsa, the Snow Queen.
“I love this event,” said Katelin Moomau, vice chair of Junior Friends at the Campagna Center. “Families come together. The kids have fun with crafts, gingerbread cookies and wish-making with Santa. “It is a good cause,” added Moomau. “You can give back, have fun and engage young people.”
Young people are not just the tots sitting with Santa. West Potomac high school students stepped in to sing carols and T.C. Williams Key Club members managed the arts and craft tables. “I found the opportunity to volunteer at Deck the Halls,” said Sidrah Hamid, the club’s event coordinator. She corralled a few others in the club to help the community.
Where would we be without the charity of others? “That is a good question,” said Mary Rood, chief development officer at the Campagna Center. More than 2,000 children and families, from 46 countries, are helped by the Campagna Center annually with “cradle to career” programming, including vital pre-K education, after school programs, tutoring and mentoring, family support services and English classes for immigrants.
“The organization even after 70 years is a relevant organization,” said Edith Hawkins, chief program officer. “People don’t understand how complex we are — to make sure families and youth are ready academically, physically and emotionally. We want a safe place for kids, to offer enrichment activities, to meet standardized requirements and to offer diverse experiences.”