GLEN JEAN, WV (WOAY)- The Mount Hope Lions club and the Soldier & Family Readiness Program held its first ever Holly Jolly Grinchmas event. Those who came got to enjoy food, receive Christmas gifts, a chance to win the best dressed who contest, have fun, and most importantly spend some time with the grinch. The admission into this event was a nonperishable food item or pet supplies that will be donated. Kelli Persinger of the Soldier & Family Readiness Program explains why they held this event.
“Obviously, this time of year is, you know, a joyous time. And there’s a lot of agencies that are doing some fun things. But a lot of times it requires an income cap or something like that. And this is just it’s open to anybody. It’s all inclusive and it’s really allows any kid that wants to come in to have a good time to be able to access these things,” expressed Kelli Persinger, Solider and family readiness specialist.
The lions club even had a station where kids could get their eyes checked to help catch eye issues in the early stages of life. The success of this event was though the generosity of our local community.
“We worked with McDonald’s in oak hill and shady spring, and they donated all the food for us, all the toys that was donated by community people and the community paid for them and donated to the kids. And then the time of the volunteers from the mountain lions club and, the people with the West Virginia National Guard. So, it’s been a great event!” explained Persinger.
And even though the Grinch as cuddly as a catus and as charming as an eel, everyone couldn’t help but to get a hug and talk to him. And I was lucky enough to talk to the grinch after his photo ops to ask the question everyone wants to know.
Serena: “So, grinch, I have a very important question for you. Do you intend on stealing Christmas this year?”
Grinch: “Yes.”
Serena: “You hear that, audience? Watch out. You may catch him this holiday season.”
Grinch: “Every last one!”
