Volunteers Prepare for Santa – Winter Wonderland Opens December 2nd

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Nov. 16, 2023 - PRLog -- With the opening of Winter Wonderland two and a half weeks away, dozens of volunteers are hard at work readying the 30^th Annual event. Winter Wonderland will open on Saturday, December 2^nd at 6:00pm at its home in downtown Clearwater on the corner of Drew St. and Fort Harrison Ave.

The event is produced by the Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV). CCV was established in 1994 by parishioners of the Church of Scientology who wanted to put on events and help children and families in need in Pinellas County.

"Every year, members of CCV take the Osceola Courtyard and turn it into a real wonderland," said Lisa Mansell from the Church of Scientology. "These volunteers string tens of thousands of lights, build Santa's House and take care of the multitude of details to get the site ready for the thousands of children and families who will come through."

"The true spirit of the holidays is family and giving," said Pam Ryan Anderson, the Chairwoman of the CCV and overall organizer and producer of Winter Wonderland. "CCV could not bring Christmas to these families without the dedicated volunteers who bring this holiday village to life every year."

It takes excellent planning, a lot of sweat equity and teamwork to light up the lights on opening night – but the volunteers do it for the kids."

Ms. Mansell pointed to a 2021 survey conducted by One Poll on children ages 6 to 17 that found 73% of children surveyed would like to have more opportunities to bond with their family.

"Winter Wonderland provides a festive opportunity for families to spend time making memories together," said Ms. Mansell.

Winter Wonderland activities include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow, entertainment, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, train rides, a carousel and a playground. There is a small cost for some of the attractions, however admission is free.

Visitors are encouraged to donate non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to families in need before Christmas. Over the past 29 years, Winter Wonderland has welcomed more than a quarter of a million visitors and collected tons of food and toys.

For more information about Winter Wonderland, please go to https://clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org.

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About the Clearwater Community Volunteers

The Clearwater Community Volunteers was established in 1994 by parishioners of the Church of Scientology who wanted to put on events and help children and families in need within our community. The Clearwater Community Volunteers gets its inspiration from L. Ron Hubbard's precept in The Way to Happiness common sense moral guide: Love and Help Children. To learn more, visit www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org