Ryve's Hall celebrates Christmas

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A special Christmas celebration helps families in need.
Tuesday night, Ryves Hall in Terre Haute hosted their annual Christmas program.

Hundreds of kids and parents packed Ryves Hall gymnasium Tuesday night for a Christmas celebration.

It's an event that helps spread the holiday cheer for over 200 Terre Haute kids.

Organizers say this is the reason for the season.

"Isn't this what Christmas is all about," said Jim Edwards, director at Ryves Hall.

Music roared and children screamed with joy.
As kids were rocking around the Christmas tree, volunteers prepared to pass out presents.
It quickly went from game time to toy time.

"It makes me feel good because some of these kids this is all they're gonna get for Christmas is what they get from here," said mother and volunteer, Michelle Scott.

Michelle Scott is a mother and a volunteer.
She helps her children pick out a gift for Christmas.
Michelle helps other kids, just like they're her own.

"And being a mom you know, the thought of a child not having Christmas, that's just a horrible thought," said Scott.

All gifts were donated to Ryves Hall.
With rough times home for the holidays, every little gift goes a long way.

"This economy is bad on everybody but it hurts the kids the most they go to the stores and they can't have the toys at least here they get to have get to come here and take their pick of whatever it is," said Scott.

While it looks like all fun and games, there's still a lesson to be learned.
"And plus my kids see it's just as important to give as it is to receive," said Scott.

Ryves Hall has hosted this program for about 25 years.
They are always in need of donations and volunteers.
If you'd like to help, call 235-1265