NEWS RELEASE

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Nicole Groody (860) 868-7377

An Early Christmas for Children Who Remain at Glenholme During the Holidays

WASHINGTON, CT (December 23, 2003) – Electronics, toys, games and excitement filled the room on Wednesday, December 12th when friends and business sponsors met with a young select group of Glenholme students for a holiday party. This holiday season, The Glenholme School was fortunate to have the support of generous community members who stepped forward to instill the season’s spirit to sixteen young children who will be spending the upcoming holiday at Glenholme.

Dolce Heritage of Southbury, the Christ Church Roxbury and University of Connecticut’s Bursar’s Office attended the celebration where they donated their time and wrapped presents to all sixteen children. Both heartwarming gifts were well received. Glenholme was pleased to have its friends take the initiative in giving to the children who could not make it home for the holidays. These community members stepped forward with the spirit of giving and eased a time that would be difficult for these young children.

The day proved to be a joy for all in attendance and its effects would be remembered by all those involved. Community members assured that each student was surrounded by Christmas cheer, decorated trees, and plentiful gifts. It is these sponsors that model caring to children when they need an uplifting smile and feeling of comfort. Betsy Patterson from the University of Connecticut’s Bursar’s Office states, "The three of us who attended the party got just as much out of it as the children did. This is what the holidays are about and as a mother and grandmother, it just broke my heart knowing these children don't have a family to share it with. It meant so much to them and Glenholme definitely provides them with a safe, stable and nurturing environment. It was very gratifying and we felt wonderful leaving there." Peter and Judy Martinez from the Christ Church, Roxbury echoed the sentiment as well; “We very much enjoyed being at Glenholme with the children and we look forward to our next visit.”

Devereux Glenholme is a therapeutic boarding school providing an exceptional learning environment for the unique needs of boys and girls ages 5-18. There are 96 children currently enrolled at The Glenholme School and all but 16 of them will be traveling home for the holiday vacation. These 16 remaining children, ages 6-13 years old, will stay at Glenholme for most holidays because they have limited to no family resources.