On December 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association (ENA) is bringing the community together for a new tradition: The Winter Celebration!

This free event is for the whole family. It is a way for the ENA to say thank you, share joy, meet new neighbors and reconnect with old ones. It will take place on "the black top" in front of Duniway Elementary at the corner of SE Rex St. and SE Reed College Place.

Cookies, brownies, hot chocolate and hot cider will be served. Volunteers from the Garden Club will orchestrate Holiday crafts projects suitable for children.

Our own Portland Dickens Carolers will sing Holiday favorites from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The carolers will be dressed in beautiful Old English costumes representing the year 1843, when Charles Dickens published his famous story ‘A Christmas Carol”. Favorite carols will be sung in four-part harmony including "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "O Come All Ye Faithful", "O Christmas Tree", "Jingle Bells", "White Christmas", "Winter Wonderland", "Rudolph", and many more. Sing along will be encouraged. https://thedickenscarolers.com

The ENA is also taking this opportunity to partner with two different charitable organizations. The first one is Portland Toy & Joy Makers, the local toy drive founded by the Portland Fire & Rescue in 1914, supporting local families in need around Christmas time. To participate, please bring a new unwrapped toy; a collection box will be available onsite. https://www.toynjoymakers.org/

The second partner is Share the Warmth, a program supported by Windermere Moreland Real Estate. The program collects coats and blankets for the less fortunate. To contribute, please bring a warm coat or blanket in good condition. https://helpsharethewarmth.com/