Penny Lane Centers' Wishes Everyone a Happy Holidays

December 1, 2022

With Gratitude

Dear Friends,

While there is no denying this was a difficult year for many including our Penny Lane staff and clients we have made it through achieving many things that we can be proud and that has strengthened our agency.   None of our achievements could have happened without your steadfast support.  At Penny Lane we continue to embrace a heart centered culture with both our clients and our staff.  2022 saw us saying goodbye to some programs such as Partnership for Families and Embracing Identities.  We also had the good fortune of expanding some existing programs and bringing on some new programs such as our Mentored Internship Program and our LGBTQ based services programs.   2022 saw Penny Lane host its first “Rise Up” conference to increase awareness of and methods to expand diversity within our workplaces.  This conference was very well attended as was the return of our “in person” EDGY conference.   Thousands of clients are in happier and healthier places thanks to the work of Penny Lane which doesn’t happen without the support of you and those in our community.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a good time to recall some the blessings we’ve experienced this year and remember others that have not been so fortunate.  Penny Lane is helping people every day who are experiencing challenges such as homelessness, recovery, mental well-being, domestic abuse and poverty.  Penny Lane’s mission is to transform lives but we cannot do it alone. We need you. Our goal this holiday season is to raise $120,000 in donations to help our many families with things like holiday gifts and meals, clothing, hotel vouchers and many other things that our program funding can not pay for but are so desperately needed.   Your gift will make a difference:

  • $50 buys a toy for a kind and makes their Christmas merry
  • $100 could provide a wonderful Christmas dinner for one of our families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to have one.  
  • $200  would allow us to get a hotel voucher so one of our homeless clients, such as those at our TAY Drop-in Centers, could spend a few nights in a hotel with a bathroom and a shower.  
  • $500 can purchase some needed furniture items for one our housing clients.          

Lastly, as many of us are watching the World Cup, I am reminded of an event that took place on Christmas Day during the First World War. In the Argonne Forest, German, soldiers from one side and British, Scottish and Canadian and American soldiers on the other-men who had spent months shooting at each other from muddy trenches-rose from their foxholes; met each other face to face; and played soccer.  This holiday season, Penny Lane hopes we can all emerge from the trenches of our lives and hardships and share in the miracle and resiliency of humankind.   Wherever your holidays travels may or may not take you all of us at Penny Lane are filled with gratitude for you and hope you have an amazing holiday.

With Gratitude,

-Wendy Carpenter, Penny Lane Centers


The 13th Annual Holiday Boutique

Sunday, December 11th from 2pm-5pm
To Donate, Volunteer or Make a Difference please visit: www.plholidayboutique.com


December Celebrations

When we think of the month of December we often think of the holidays.  The chestnuts are roasting, and the dreidels are spinning, and the bells are jingling.  For so many of us the month of December is a time to celebrate with family and friends.  We get dressed up or chill in pajamas.  We gather over feasts, pop champagnes, sing songs, attend religious services, play games, eat, and exchange gifts.  Because of how special this month is, I thought it would be nice to take a moment to look at the various holidays that December brings around the globe.  

6 billion people around the globe celebrate holidays in December, making it the most popular month for holidays.  These 6 billion celebrate in any number of ways, but regardless of the celebration, we can all agree that these celebrations represent the beauty of diversity around the planet. These December holidays are often based on traditions, religion and values that are important to the people who celebrate them.

Here are a few of the holidays that are celebrated in December.  Some you know and some may be new to you!

King Bhumibol’s Birthday

On this day, Thailand celebrates the birthday of its beloved king, Bhumibol Adulyadej. King Bhumibol was born in 1927 and was the king of Thailand between 1950 and 2016.

Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day is a holiday that celebrates the moment when the Buddha reached enlightenment. It is observed on December 8th in most countries, but some celebrate it on other dates

Immaculate Conception

The Immaculate Conception is a Catholic feast day that celebrates the conception of Jesus Christ by Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is celebrated on December 8th and is one of the most important Catholic holidays

Saint Lucia’s Day

December 13 is a religious holiday in honor of Saint Lucia, the patron saint of light. It is often celebrated with special church services, parades, and cookouts. In some countries, such as Italy and Sweden, it is also a day for celebrating the start of the Christmas season.

Las Posadas

Las Posadas is a December holiday celebrated in Mexico and many other Latin American countries. It commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated for eight days and nights, usually beginning on the 25th of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar.

Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is a holiday that celebrates the shortest day of the year. It is observed on December 21st in most countries, but some celebrate it on other dates. The word “solstice” means “sun stands still,” and this name reflects the fact that on the winter solstice, the sun appears to stand still in the sky. After the winter solstice, the days begin to get longer again.

Christmas

Christmas is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians all around the world and is considered one of the most important holidays of the year.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a public holiday originally celebrated in the middle-ages in the United Kingdom, today it’s celebrated in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates African American culture and heritage. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and is celebrated every year from December 26th to January 1st.

New Year’s Eve

On New Year’s Eve, people around the globe celebrate the coming of the New Year on this last day in the Gregorian calendar.

Omisoka

Omisoka is the last of the December global holidays as the Japanese celebrate it on December 31st. It is a day to celebrate the coming of the New Year, and people typically exchange gifts, eat special foods, and participate in traditional ceremonies

Wherever you are in the world and no matter what you celebrate, we at Penny Lane want to recognize the richness and beauty of the holiday season.  Relish in your traditions as you enjoy the time with family and friends and make memories to last a lifetime.    

Penny Lane Centers wishes all a glorious December.

-Judy Grant, Penny Lane Centers