BETHLEHEM, Pa. — About 40 Marvine Elementary pupils made their way to Bethlehem City Hall on Friday for a crucial task.
They were to decorate the mayor's Christmas tree with more than 285 ornaments created by students at the school.
The event was put on by the City of Bethlehem and the Cops n' Kids Children's Literacy Program of the Lehigh Valley in collaboration with the city.
It brought together volunteers from many groups to give the decorators a fun day and connect them with the city.
"It's one of those days that we realized how special Bethlehem is, and it's a great kickoff to our holiday season. What better way to symbolize that and bring together so many different people in the City of Bethlehem."Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds
"I think it's really important that we show kids that we need them in our communities," Cops 'n' Kids President Beverly Bradley said.
Dozens of ornaments drawn and crafted by Marvine students went up on the tree, and will be there publicly as the Christmas City kicks off and takes part in the many festivities surrounding the holiday in coming weeks.
"It's one of those days that we realized how special Bethlehem is, and it's a great kickoff to our holiday season," Mayor J. William Reynolds said.
"What better way to symbolize that and bring together so many different people in the City of Bethlehem."
'A difficult time for many'
The annual event was bigger than it has been in recent years because of lessened concerns related to COVID-19 — providing food and connection to groups throughout the city.
While ornaments were hung, members of the Liberty High School Grenadier Marching Band and local artist Stacy Gabel played Christmas music for the children who took part in the holiday kick-off event.
"I think it's a reflection of who we are as a community and I think during the holiday season, that's a very important thing to show our children. This is a difficult time for many people, and so the more we can show that there's kindness and thoughtfulness, I think it benefits all of us to know that."Cops n' Kids Children's Literacy Program of the Lehigh Valley President
The students were provided food by ShopRite of Bethlehem, with dessert prepared by students from Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School.
Just Born, Inc. also provided some holiday treats, with the Peepsmobile joining the children's festivities.
Joining as volunteers alongside those with the school and the city were members of the Moravian University girls basketball, lacrosse and soccer teams.
"I think it's a reflection of who we are as a community and I think during the holiday season, that's a very important thing to show our children," Bradley said.
"This is a difficult time for many people, and so the more we can show that there's kindness and thoughtfulness, I think it benefits all of us to know that."
'See our hanged-up ornaments'
Before the tree was decorated, the volunteers, Bradley and Mayor Reynolds spoke to the elementary school pupils in City Council chambers, introducing and hoping to connect them to the high school and college students, members of the Bethlehem Police and city government.
"You are our future, you are present, and this is something we're really, really excited about," Reynolds told the children.
"It feels awesome because all the people that come to City Hall to see the tree and see our hanged-up ornaments. You get to help out with something very special and this feels like a goal that you've accomplished."Third-grader Olivia Rose Mazza
Joining the students were volunteers from Moravian University
The event also gave out free books, provided by PPL.
"It feels awesome because all the people that come to City Hall to see the tree and see our hanged-up ornaments," third-grader Olivia Rose Mazza said.
"You get to help out with something very special and this feels like a goal that you've accomplished."
Four Marvine Elementary pupils will also "assist" Mayor Reynolds at the tree-lighting ceremony at City Hall on Nov. 24.
