The Giving Spirit of Process Plus' Employees

Process Plus announced their plans to make Christmas memorable for fifty preschool children in Forest Park. On Monday, December 17, 2007 from 10:00 – 12:00 p.m., Process Plus will host a spectacular Winter Wonderland Fantasy. The event is for the children who attend Ivy’s Creative Angels Academy and Sharon Hill Daycare and Preschool, both of which are located in Forest Park. "This is an excellent opportunity for deserving children," said Teresa Smith, owner of Ivy's Creative Angels Academy.

"Last year, instead of having an employee Christmas party, the employees and owners of Process Plus decided to make Christmas special for children whose families struggle to make ends meet, explains Bess Witt, Human Resources. "The party was so wonderful we decided to make it an annual event."

The children, ages 3 thru 5 years old, represent single parent families who rely on government vouchers to afford safe daycare for their children while they work. There are many obstacles for children living with a single parent. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration, about 45 percent of children living with a divorced mother live in or near poverty; for children with never–married mothers, the figure is 69 percent.

Animated decorations will fill a warehouse at Process Plus, complete with a Christmas tree surrounded by brightly colored Christmas packages and Santa's train set. The children will delight in the elves walking on stilts making balloon characters. They can participate in hula hoop dances led by a children’s DJ, and each child receives a caricature sketch drawn by Eric Smith. The entertainment will be provided by Amazing Portable Circus. Lunch will be catered by Funky's Catering.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be taking time with each child, handing out Cabbage Patch baby dolls for the girls and trucks to the boys. All the gifts will be personalized. "Process Plus thinks it's very important that each child is called by their name," says Christy Larrison, Event Planner. The children will also receive art and educational toys, and beautiful fur rimmed stockings loaded with delicious treats.

In addition to the toys, each child receives mittens, hats, socks, and snow boots. "I am so excited that each child will get a pair of boots," stated Lisa Hoffman Director of Sharon Hill Daycare. "Sometimes the kids can't go outside to play when it snows because they do not have the proper shoes"

"Last year Ray Hodges, City Manager of Forest Park along with other city officials attended the event", stated Jim Wendle, President of Process Plus. "This year our special guest is Chuck Johnson, Mayor of Forest Park."

Process Plus is a privately held engineering firm headquartered in Forest Park. They provide process and facilities engineering and design, architectural, and construction services to the Chemical, Renewable Fuels, and Pharmaceutical Industries. Process Plus serves clients throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.