CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On December 19th the Church of Scientology and a team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers held a special event to benefit foster children at Winter Wonderland, the annual Holiday village in downtown Clearwater.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/526a9977-f1a2-4fea-830c-33cc3e35874a
Foster parents from Pinellas and Pasco Counties brought their children to experience an afternoon of fun holiday activities. Volunteers from the Scientology Volunteer Ministers helped children decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, go on the Giant Slide and Bouncy House, ride on the Winter Wonderland train, enjoy pony rides, decorate holiday stockings, and create t-shirts with their own art.
“The Holidays are a time of joy and togetherness,” said Pat Harney, Public Relations Director for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater, “All children deserve love and help. We do this for the children.”
The Church’s Fort Harrison Band with guest artist Hana-Li performed Holiday tunes for the event. The Hot Chocolate House treated children and parents to non-stop hot chocolate and holiday treats.
After photos with Santa Claus, foster children were able to choose brand-new, donated toys from Santa’s Sleigh. Toys ranged from stuffed animals and puzzles to sports gear and musical instruments. Foster parents also received a holiday gift and copies of Pulp Fiction classics penned by humanitarian and author L. Ron Hubbard.
“Thank you for doing this event for the kids. All children need to experience this magical wonderland,” said Tonya Lewis, CEO of Children With a Vision, Inc., the Tampa-based non-profit dedicated to helping at-risk youth succeed through mentorship and community engagement.
The Church of Scientology regularly hosts events for the community and makes the Fort Harrison available to local charities for their events and fundraisers. If you would like to find out more about future events, please contact (727) 467-6860.
About the Church of Scientology:
The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 nations. The Church of Scientology regularly sponsors and supports many humanitarian programs, such as anti-drug campaigns, human rights campaigns and global education programs. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org
About Winter Wonderland:
Located at 210 N. Fort Harrison Avenue in downtown Clearwater, the Alpine-designed “village” is a complete wonderland with performing stage and holiday activities for children. Open in December (until December 20th this year) children can visit with Santa, ride ponies and the Winter Wonderland train, slide down the 20-foot slide, spin in the gyroscope or jump in the bouncy house. Toys and canned goods are donated to local charities to benefit children in Pinellas County. Winter Wonderland draws over 5000 visitors each year and is sponsored by the Clearwater Community Volunteers and the Church of Scientology. To find out more, visits www.ccvfl.org
This photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.