Christmas was made a little brighter for 60 disadvantaged
Douglas County families, including 120 children, thanks to the
Douglas County 2003 Christmas for Kids program.
The program provides gifts to families facing hard times and in
need of a little extra help during the holiday season.
The program, which was sponsored by the Douglas County Sheriff’s
Office, was a huge success thanks to the many residents, businesses
and community groups that provided money and sponsored
families.
Several neighborhood watch groups sponsored families, and many
more took up collections and donated for the purpose.
The Fraternal Order of Police, South Metro Lodge No. 47, made a
special donation of $550. One generous resident made an anonymous
gift of $3,500. Additionally, several Boy and Girl Scout troops
raised money to sponsor families. A large number of businesses were
also able to contribute to the program.
All of this year’s families were invited to a dinner presented
by the sheriff’s office Dec. 19. Nicolo’s Pizza of Highlands Ranch
donated a portion of the food for the dinner. Sheriff’s Lt. Kevin
Duffy dressed up as Santa Claus to hand out gifts and take pictures
with the children.
To those who identified the need and established the program, to
those who volunteered their time and to those who gave so
generously so that children in our own communities had a brighter
Christmas, thank you.
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For those who have not been by the playground area at Sweetwater
Park, it is now complete. What a difference. It appears to have
incorporated all we asked for and more.
There are two separate play areas, one for kids up to age 5 and
one for those ages 5-12. There are slides, a climbing area, panels,
swings and more for children of all abilities to enjoy.
Those looking for a place to let Fido run off-leash need only
drive west down County Line Road past Holly Street before Colorado
Boulevard to the new David A. Lorenz Regional Park. Parking is
available in a lot, which is accessible on the south side of County
Line Road.
The 1-acre fenced area where owners can let dogs romp for free
off-leash was named “Bark Park.” In addition to an area where dogs
can stretch their legs, a watering area has been fabricated for the
thirsty pooches.
Other amenities at the regional park include the artificial turf
ball and soccer fields, a bicycle motocross track and disc golf
course.
Update your calendars with the rescheduled meeting date for the
Acres Green/Lone Tree Town meeting; originally scheduled for Jan.
22, it is now scheduled for Jan. 29.
Keep reading!
Jean Henke is a resident of Acres Green.