In past years, students of the Indian Hills community have given up one Friday afternoon to make the faces of Paterson’s children light up. This year, on December 13th, 96 children from the Oasis Program of Paterson and their chaperons attended the Holiday Festival run by Ms. Ferrara and Mrs. LaChac. 

The students led the crafts and games they prepared during weekly preparation meetings and were assigned a grade that they remained with throughout the night. Some of the games included reindeer ring toss and snowman bowling. In terms of crafts, the children made stained-glass candles, sock snowmen, and candy cane reindeer. The children were also able to get their faces or arms painted by the amazing students who dedicated their time to be face painters for the event. Victoria Santhouse, a sophomore who helped at the event with the kindergarteners, said, “I enjoyed working with the kids. They were adorable. I was glad that I could brighten someone’s day.” The face painters were also able to see the adorable children. The children chose from a handful of designs that they could get painted on their faces or arms. Elizabeth Silletti, a junior who face-painted at the event, said, “I had so much fun, and the kids loved it. I was painting so many designs.” 

Both the students and children enjoyed a pizza dinner and cupcakes for dessert. At the end of the festival, students gathered to receive gifts from Santa (Coach Hill) and Mrs. Claus (Mrs. Marino). The gifts contained hats, gloves, tissues, bubbles, pop-its, and slime.

Overall, the Indian Hills Holiday Festival was an extraordinary success that helped grant many children an incredible experience. The children boarded their buses back home carrying a giant bag filled with gifts and crafts that they had made. Students helped take down decorations and cleaned up both the library and cafeteria. Everyone left the event with a smile, as the Holiday Festival was filled with the spirit of the holidays.