Posted 12/24/2025
Breakfast with Santa
Hummelstown Campus hosted a Breakfast with Santa for the employees and their children and grandchildren on December 6. Everyone was in the Christmas spirit and enjoyed a delicious breakfast (prepared by Whitson's Kelly Shank and Hector), coloring activities and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (David Wilkins and Teresa Wilkins, AHSS). Everyone had a great time!
Merry Grinchmas
On Tuesday, December 16, the Slippery Rock Program Center held a Grinchmas Party. Everyone showed up dressed in their favorite pajamas - most of them featured the beloved green grump. While everyone was playing a game of Jeopardy, the Grinch made an appearance to wreak havoc on the festivities. He tried mixing up the answers and taking down the Jeopardy board. The Grinch made everyone laugh and smile with his silly antics. But in Slippery Rock, they say, the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day. As an act of fellowship, the Grinch invited everyone to feast on Grinchy green spaghetti with meatballs. Everyone also had a homemade Grinch cookie that the individuals helped make with a simple recipe of Cool Whip, yellow cake mix, and green food coloring. Everyone agreed that they would love to see the Grinch again next year.
Ugly Sweate Craft
Slippery Rock Program Instructor Christie Laderer led her area in making an "Ugly Sweater" craft. Each individual had a sweatshirt that they decorated with various Christmas designs made of felt, tinsel, bows, and sparkles. The individuals had a great time creating their unique designs. They cannot wait to wear them and show them off.
NJ Holiday Party
Thank you to all who attended the second annual holiday party for the New Jersey SO program. There was a wonderful turnout, and everyone had fun participating in the event. A special thank you to Shani, Lissette, Tori, Kannesha, and Tawana for their hard work and coordination in planning another celebration.
Holiday Express Party
A big shoutout to Wendy, Genny, and Susan W. for volunteering at Woofles Pet Resort’s Holiday Express Party. They ran the games and were joined by Susan’s daughter Lilly and her Girl Scout troop to help share even more holiday cheer.
Holiday Visit from Guardian
A huge thank you to Guardian Protection who visited Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus and spread holiday cheer for the 29th year in a row! Guardian employees and Santa visited each building and home, singing Christmas carols and handing out gifts along the way. This long-standing tradition has become a favorite for everyone at Merakey and Guardian, bringing joy and smiles year after year. Special thanks to Guardian’s Marketing Manager Todd Homitz for coordinating this wonderful program and helping make the holidays special for so many at Pittsburgh Campus and other Merakey AVS homes.
A Week of Holiday Celebrations
The Pittsburgh Campus elves have been hard at work creating a full week of holiday fun for individuals and staff. This year’s festivities included Ugly Sweater Day, Light it Up Night, visits from Santa, holiday inflatables, the Grinch, a cozy Winter Wonderland relaxation area, and so much more. Happy Holidays to all!
Memories of Christmas Exhibit
London had the best time at Memories of Christmas at the Arms Family Museum. She loved learning about holiday traditions from around the world and became a fan of Krampus! She checked out the vintage ornaments and toys, played fun games, and dressed up as Santa to drive the sleigh. She also reenacted her favorite Home Alone scene in honor of the movie’s 30th anniversary. Every moment was magical.
