Christmas is best enjoyed in the company of children, and at least 200 of them had a great time at Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's 21st  Annual D.C. Children's Christmas Party on the Hill. Covenant House, The Children's Center and Child of Mine bought the kids, ACLOWN4U bought the fun, and there was plenty of food.

"We hope by that by providing these children with some holiday fun not only with toys, but also with some necessities, including hats, gloves and scarves, it will encourage them to believe that things can always be better," Norton said. "These are tough times for the average American."

D.C. United's  Head Coach Ben Olsen bought his daughter, Ruby.  Kevin Payne, President and CEO of D.C. United, bought himself, one of the many kind gestures of community support, which made the party possible.

Amtrak didn't just lend four volunteers, they give and give. People need to get places, and sometimes Amtrak lends a helping hand. Patricia Mitchell, Wanda McLaren, Account Services and Employee Representative, Collin King, Graphic Specialist, Corporate Communications, Shea Myers, Administrative Assistant, were Amtrak's fabulous foursome.

ACLOWN4U, Washington Metropolitan area's most requested children's performers, were the life of the party. Auntie Sweee and Monique Holland performed several beloved carols, including the Twelve Days of Christmas, and a rap version we didn't quite get the name of, but they rocked the house. Blacktie's favorite was the interactive "Manners," where the kids happily answered the call and response with an, "Excuse Me!" They were instructed not to hit someone who bumps into them, but to politely say, "Excuse Me!" Good advice.

Congresswoman Norton's staff helped out. Doing Christmas Party Duty were Lavonnie "Bonnie" Johnson (former staff), Jackie Pelt, Campaign Coordinator, Desmond Barnes, Staff, Raven Reeder, District Director, Mark Chastang, Case Worker, and Abe Rakov, who Blacktie-DC thinks is the best press secretary we've met on The Hill. Of course, we'd be delighted to meet every press secretary on the Hill to make a fair judgment.  

Hannah Hawkins founded Children of Mine almost 30 years ago. Children of Mine is now located in Ward 8, but serves the entire D.C. area. Children of Mine provides free everything children need! Camps in the summer, field trips year round, meals every day, counseling, tutoring, Bible study, dance, arts and crafts, and even delivery for those who cannot get to the center. Ms. Hawkins was looking very Santa-like in her cap. You could make her day by playing Santa, and sending along one of those lawaway angels for Children of Mine.

Children of Mine takes no government money and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Covenant House bought kids and staff to party at the lovely Cannon Office Building.

When Covenant House Washington opened its doors in 1995, they were deliberate in establishing programs and services that addressed critical problems in the most challenging neighborhoods and communities of our nation's capital. Since opening their doors they have provided direct care services to well over 5,000 youth through our Community Service Center. On a typical day, more than 150 youth benefit from integrated services, including education, vocational training, and prevention and community outreach services.  Covenant House is one of nine partners in the Town Hall Education Arts & Recreation Campus operating in southeast Washington. THEARC is a major community revitalization effort that provides much-needed and much-desired services to children and adults in an attractive, community-friendly environment.

Covenant House Washington relies on financial support received from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Approximately 70 percent of  their annual budget comes from these sources, with individuals making up 60 percent of contributions. By donating to Covenant House Washington you demonstrate to youth in crisis that not all hope is lost. Restore hope, ignite a dream. Click here to donate.

The Children's Center also bought kids and staff to the party. Myrtle Loughry, Director of The Children's Center, and Theresa King, Child Case Worker, were so busy caring for hard partying three year olds they barely had time to pose for a prized Blacktie-DC photo memento.

The Children's Center started in 1991 with a few children and a few crayons at the Sheridan Terrace housing area in Ward 8 under the guidance of community leader Myrtle Loughry. Since that time, The Children's Center has grown to include an after-school program each day from 3 to 7 p.m. along with a summer program each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Center offers homework assistance, arts and crafts, reading, computer learning, organized sports and other activities. Over 75 children between the ages of 6 and 14 are enrolled at The Children's Center.

Blacktie-DC hopes little Makitee Pace, who wants to be a gymnast, gets her Christmas wish to see her father.  In the meantime, Santa, how about iPods for Ronate Henderson and Bejanique Wilson, perhaps with a camera thrown in? The Metropolitan Police Department needs to send recruiters to next year's party, as Ronate Henderson and Harri Martin were just a couple of the kids who want to grow up to be Officers of the Peace, better known as police.

We look forward to more partying with the Congresswoman, and wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season!