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Moraine staff preview Halloween, Christmas Smiles and Dec. 5 tree-lighting; volunteers and adopters needed
Summary
Staff reviewed fall and winter community programs: the Oct. 31 Halloween party, Christmas Smiles (43 families, 89 children; delivery Dec. 13) and a Dec. 5 tree-lighting followed by a rec-center movie night. Staff urged continued volunteer/adopter support and noted a $3,500 Walmart grant to the program.
City staff briefed the council on upcoming seasonal events and volunteer-driven programs, asking for council support and community help where needed.
Halloween: staff confirmed the annual community Halloween party will be held Oct. 31 after trick-or-treat hours and will include a costume contest, prizes and food. Staff asked council members to help judge and noted parking and weather as typical logistical considerations.
Christmas Smiles: staff said signups closed with 43 families representing 89 children; verification and adoption logistics remain in progress and delivery/pickup is scheduled for Dec. 13. Staff said about nine families completed verification on one day and several will still need to verify before gifts are assigned for adoption. The presenter noted past years saw higher totals (around 93–104 children in peak years) and that the program relies heavily on community adopters; a shortfall of adopters would require using foundation funds or other donations to fill gaps.
Funding and donations: staff said the city received a $3,500 grant from Walmart for the Christmas Smiles foundation and encouraged local organizations or businesses to contribute money or adopt families. Staff discussed options for limiting the number of adoptable children if adopters are fewer than registrants (examples raised: cap adopters at 50 or 75; use foundation funds to cover remainder).
Tree lighting and movie night: staff announced the city tree-lighting on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., followed by a movie night at the rec center (the family film Elf) beginning about 7:15 p.m. Staff said they will provide movie tickets and run event logistics; final details such as hot chocolate or cookie distribution were still being confirmed.
Other community events: staff praised the recent Blue Bash and credited part-time staff and volunteers for the event’s success. The presenter closed by noting the next council meeting is Dec. 16 and that more vision-plan materials could make that meeting substantive.
Council action: at the start of the meeting the council approved the previous meeting minutes as submitted; no votes on events or the Christmas Smiles program were recorded during this session.
