Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley has teamed up with Norristown Garden Club to safely spread joy this holiday season through Variety’s Holiday Lane!
From December 3 – 5, Variety will open its campus to visitors to walk or drive along a festive Holiday Lane in which the exterior of the organization’s rustic cabins will be lit up with holiday lights and decorated in holiday themes by the talented Norristown Garden Club members. It is these types of partnerships that continue to fuel Variety’s long-term sustainability, especially in light of these unprecedented times amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Variety is one of the only organizations in the region that has been able to provide onsite programming for children with disabilities since July. Holiday Lane supports Variety’s efforts to continue to provide services even during a pandemic,” said Dominique Bernardo, CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley.
In addition to helping support Variety, the Holiday Lane project allowed the Norristown Garden Club to continue creating during these difficult times.
“Norristown Garden Club was thrilled to be asked to decorate the cabins at Variety for the Holiday Lane Tour,” said Barbara Stoebenau, President of Norristown Garden Club. “Our members had been very disappointed we had to cancel our annual indoor Holiday House Tour this year, so the outdoor Variety Tour was the perfect substitute to keep our creative minds and hands happy this fall. We are enjoying the more child-focused decorating opportunity, and are happy to be able to help Variety in the best way we can.”
At Holiday Lane, families will enjoy displays of Santa’s Workshop, CandyLand, Gingerbread House and many more as well as costumed actors from Methacton Community Theater. The .25 mile loop culminates at Variety’s decorated 1700s Farmhouse where ballerinas will perform sections of the Nutcracker ballet. After the visitors complete the loop, they can warm up with a complimentary hot cocoa from Variety’s Farm Stand operated by the VarietyWorks workforce development program. In addition, baked goods made by VarietyWorks participants will be available for purchase. Finally, visitors can shop at a Holiday Bazaar featuring handmade items crafted by Variety kids throughout the year.
The event is a wonderful, family-friendly opportunity to visit Variety’s campus and is only possible through many community partnerships and volunteers that support Variety. All COVID-19 procedures will be in place, masks are required and temperature checks will be taken prior to entry.
Variety’s Holiday Lane will also be the first time Variety is able to showcase its new exit drive, which was so generously made possible by long-time supporter, Allan Myers. The new exit drive not only makes campus more accessible, but makes it safer for all visiting.
“Collaborations, such as the ones with Norristown Garden Club and Allan Myers, are even more important during a pandemic. Human connection has been challenging, but Variety has been able to remain connected through various projects that engage local community members and corporations in a safe way,” added Bernardo.
Find out more about Variety – the Children’s Charity and other local charities/organizations dedicated to helping the community HERE in our Ways to Give in 2020: Local Charity Highlights article.
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