If you need some plans for the family this weekend, there’s a free Christmas event taking place on Friday.Â
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Carbondale Ward is hosting "."Ìý
Families can enjoy several free activities such as a Christmas concert, Hallelujah Chorus singalong, live nativity, children’s playroom, gingerbread showcase, and hot chocolate and cookie bar.
There will also be a wreath festival and auction, as well as, a quilt auction.
Business and local agencies in the communities decorated and donated wreaths for the auction such as the Carbondale Police Department, Trinity Christian School and Walker’s Bluff.Â
While church members spent dozens of hours putting together hand-stitched quilts with Christmas themes.Â
Proceeds from those auctions will benefit the , which assists agencies and child advocacy centers throughout the region that deal with child abuse.
Event Organizer Ingrid Gonzalez Thomas say she wanted to select an organization that reached across southern Illinois.Â
"When you think of the children and what they’ve been through, when you think of the life ahead of them and the struggles they have to live through," she explains. "I feel like there is no effort that is too great that we can do for them."
The event will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Carbondale on December 13th from 6-8 p.m.Â
Families can bring their children to the church at 5 p.m. to pet goats, alpacas, sheep, and a horse that are in the live nativity scene.Â
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Carbondale:
7168 Old Hwy 13
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 549-3034
