Lakes Region Community Services Family Resource Center holiday activities

LACONIA — During the holiday season at Lakes Region Community Services’ Family Resource Center of Central New Hampshire in downtown Laconia, many supporters go above and beyond. Businesses, residents, churches, volunteers, community partners, and staff make a difference in the lives of local children and families in need by coming together to give them a warm and plentiful holiday.

The annual Family Fun Night on Dec. 10 provided children with their own personal shopping elf to guide them in choosing gifts for their family members at a penny sale, full of presents for all ages. The children then handed them off to be wrapped by elves, who completed the job of getting gifts ready to bring home. The event, which takes weeks to organize and grows every year, was attended by more than 300 children and adults.

“So much goes into planning Family Fun Night but, in the end, it is always worth it,” said Family Resource Center Director Erin Pettengill. “This event succeeds every year thanks to a dedicated army of volunteers and very generous donations from businesses and others in the community. We would not be able to do this without them.” 

There also was a singalong with professional musician Don Bergeron, and visits with Santa and his helpers. Everyone had a chance to enjoy a meal together, courtesy of Fratello’s in Laconia.

The LRCS Giving Tree provided presents to more than 200 area children this year. AFL Noyes in Belmont was a major supporter of the Giving Tree. Every child who received presents also received a brand new pair of pajamas, donated by Service Master Restore, as well as hats and mittens, courtesy of Meredith Village Savings Bank. 

Lakes Region Community Services board members and staff received help from the Laconia Rotary Club,  South Down Lawn and Garden Club, Stella Hair Boutique of Plymouth, Wood & Clay of Gilford, Mountain View Church of Sanbornton, Melcher & Prescott Insurance, and Celebrate Laconia.

To see more photos from the holiday season at Lakes Region Community Services, see laconiadailysun.com.

To learn more about Lakes Region Community Services, contact Joanne Piper Lang at 603-524-8811.