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Commission staff statewide have been doing their best impressions of Santa and his elves.

In Louisville, the Provider Relations Branch asked for each commission office to donate a basket that made a statement about their area of the state. The goal was to use these baskets to raise money for gifts for our Youth Advisory Council members. This fund-raiser surpassed all expectations; the creativity of regional staff was seen in beautiful baskets that raised $1,400 for holiday presents for our Youth Advisory Council members! From provider relations:

The CCSHCN/Provider Relations Branch is doing the project for the CCSHCN Youth Advisory Council to purchase gifts for the holidays. The Youth Advisory Council children are not included in the CCSHCN program holiday party held in Louisville, and we thought that this would be a great idea to give the youth advisory children items they need for the holidays. Most of the youth council children are in transition from high school to college and need items such as clothing, dorm items (compact refrigerators, laptop accessories) and they have written out their wish lists of needed items. The CCSHCN will be able to spend just more than $115 on each of the 12 children on the youth council for the holidays.

On Dec. 17, the Louisville office held its holiday party at St. Xavier High School, where Santa gave presents to commission kids. From a member of the Louisville Family Care Branch:

The spirit of giving was evident this year with the efforts and team work of many. We had 66 families participate: 40 families came to the party and 10 called to say their they could attend. Those families will pick up their gifts at their convenience. We had musical entertainment by Mrs. Spurlock's School of Music. Six students played for us and sounded beautiful. We gave away several donated prizes. There were many very appreciative families and happy kids. It is rewarding to hear the thanks and see the kids' happy faces. Many thanks to all of the workers, organizers, gift mover, wrappers and behind-the-scenes helpers. Everyone came together to help spread the spirit of giving. Until next year, happy holidays!

Kudos to all the commission staff who participated in these and other events that helped make the holiday brighter for commission children across the state.