Christmas House 'angels'at it again

Norma Cobb Nichols (left) is among the volunteers who help Alyce Reese (right).

"Call it a miracle, a coincidence, or a sign that God is looking after us - whenever we're lacking in something, it's provided."

Twenty years later, Alyce Reese, director of Christmas House in Coudersport, is saying the same thing.

The volunteer angels at the corner of Water and Main streets are gearing up for another holiday season at "the place where miracles happen." By Dec. 24, they will have delivered thousands of Christmas presents to underprivileged children and adults across Potter County.

Behind the scenes, numerous other volunteers have been building toys, cleaning and dressing dolls, knitting warm winter clothing and raising money. School students will soon help out by baking cookies. Christmas House is far more than a holidaybased charity. All year long, the volunteers help f i r e victims, displaced workers, victims of domestic violence, the homeless, residents of long-term care facilities, and anyone else in need. Through referrals by churches, caseworkers and schools, Christmas House last year helped more than 1,200 Potter County

House scheduled at attend the annual Open encouraged to The public is Christmas House on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

residents. This year's needs are even

greater, due to layoffs and other economic stresses. Several years ago, with the future of Christmas House in doubt, Ed and Jean Pruitt of Galeton stepped in to cover the organization's rent and utility expenses. They've continued to cover the costs ever since.

Christmas House will celebrate its 20th anniversary during this year's open house, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9. Visitors can enjoy homemade soups, snacks and other treats, while meeting the dedicated volunteers who make miracles happen every day.