Fifth annual Helping Hands for the Holidays event set for Dec. 17

Planning is nearly completed in preparation to host Helping Hands for the Holidays, a self-promoted community charity event, at the Global Spectrum managed Saint Charles Convention Center. The event will take place from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 17, at the Convention Center.

The event aims to help those within the community who are in need by offering a holiday buffet, health care services and screenings, distributing donated canned food, personal care items, and winter clothing, and creating a nice holiday environment with activities for children and photos with Santa.

The event is free. There is no need for individuals to register or RSVP, and there is no pre-qualification process. Shuttle transportation service is available from various pickup/drop off points in St. Charles County.

“The outpouring of support the local community and various organizations have contributed for the event this year has been tremendous”, said Joe Capitanelli, marketing manager for Global Spectrum at the Convention Center. “Last year, the event had over 1,200 in attendance from St. Charles County and surrounding areas, and we are looking to increase again this year to over 1,500.”

Donations are now being accepted to be distributed at the event. Canned food, personal care items, and winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves, scarves) may be donated to the Convention Center from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the administration office on the upper level.

Community organizations involved in the planning of the event and who are donating services include Crider Health Center, Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Peters, Our Lady’s Inn, the Community Council of St. Charles County, the city of St. Charles, Youth in Need, Sanford Brown College, WellCare, Small Business Monthly, Community News, and Mercy.

For more information, please call 669-3000 or view the event flyer on the calendar of events on www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com.