The Giving Spirit Inspires a Community

The giving spirit was alive and well at Process Plus today as the employees and partners welcomed thirty six under resourced preschool children to their Forest Park office for the 3rd annual Winter Wonderland party.

The Christmas party was for children in the ELI program who attend Ivy's Creative Angels Academy and Sharon Hill Daycare and Preschool, both of which are located in Forest Park. "Process Plus goes all out to make this a special time for the children," said Teresa Smith, owner of Ivy's Creative Angels Academy.

Beginning in 2006, Process Plus hired Christy Larrison, event planner, to help create an extravagant Winter Wonderland themed event for children whose families struggle to make ends meet. Now, three years later, Christy is still involved and the enthusiasm of the employees for this event continues to grow. "Even though we have been negatively impacted by the recession; giving to the children is priority for our company. Everyone at Process Plus wants to make a difference for these children at Christmas." said Jim Wendle, President Process Plus.

The children, ages 3, 4, and 5 years old, represent low income working families who rely on government vouchers to afford safe daycare for their children while they work. These children attend daycare through Ohio's Early Learning Initiative (ELI) which launched in 2006 to provide full-day, year 'round high-quality child care and education services to low-income working families. ELI is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Department of Education (ODE).

Animated decorations filled a warehouse at Process Plus, complete with a Christmas tree surrounded by brightly colored Christmas packages and Santa's train set. Santa and Mrs. Claus gave personalized gifts to each child. The children received toys, games and delicious treats. In addition, each child received mittens, pajamas, socks, undergarments and snow boots. "These presents will be the only Christmas gifts for most of the children," explained Lisa Hoffman Director of Sharon Hill Daycare. "The children attending our daycare through the ELI program this year are living in homes without beds and basic furnishings... their families cannot afford gifts."

The children delighted in the elves walking on stilts making balloon characters. They danced with Process Plus helpers and enjoyed the entertainment provided by Amazing Portable Circus. They concluded their time with lunch catered by Funky's Catering.

Forest Park Mayor, Chuck Johnson and City Council Member, Diana Herbe joined in the celebration helping the children with coloring and crafts. "This is a wonderful event for the children," said Mayor Johnson. "These are hard economic times for area families and their children should not have to go without at Christmas. Process Plus sets a good example for businesses to reach out and make a difference in their communities."