Harlingen Area Builder Association Bring Christmas Cheer to Children

HARLINGEN - This Christmas holiday will be a happy time for Harlingen children. What kid doesn't enjoy receiving a gift they didn't expect for Christmas?

The Harlingen Area Builders Association will be sponsoring the 5th Annual Children's Center Patient Party December 22nd at Valley Baptist Medical Center. The party is for patients, siblings and their families, who have to spend Christmas at the Children's Center.

The organization presented their annual contribution to the Children's Center at VBMC, December 2nd during the Light for Life gathering.

Charity Committee Chairman, and Secretary of HABA, Debbie Elizarde, has had the task of coordinating all charity and community efforts for the organization since the HABA formed 6 years ago.

"I am blessed to serve the group in that capacity (as Charity Chair), to be able to serve the community the way we do is amazing." Elizarde said.

The kids will be in the holiday spirit, enjoying food, fun and toys, and making a special appearance will be Santa Claus. Jolly St. Nick will be there to personally hand out presents to the children.

There can be from 50 to 100 kids and family members at that time a year.

"It is really sad for a child to be sick in the hospital, but at Christmas time it's harder" she said "Sponsoring the party is just a small role HABA plays in what VBMC does for their recovery and spirits of the children and their families"

HABA decided to partner with the Valley Baptist Foundation after they heard about the party that VBMC held. Elizarde said that they felt that what VBMC was doing was a worthy cause that wanted help and stand behind.

Elizarde also mentioned that HABA plans on sponsoring the event as long as the organization is around and able to help.

In addition to the Children's Center Patient Party, HABA's executive board decided that the gifts they collected at their annual Christmas party, December 2nd, for HABA members would be donated to the Valley Morning Star's Operation Noel.

Operation Noel is an annual drive to collect money, non-perishable items, and gifts for families with special needs. Families are referred by local agencies, which assist less fortunate families

"We felt that it's important to give back to the families in Harlingen" said Elizarde "It's much more special when you know that they are kids from your community."

The Harlingen Area Builders Association was formed in 2003 as a non-profit trade organization dedicated to promoting a positive business environment for the city's building and construction industry.

The organization holds monthly meetings to highlight members and community leaders, as well as to stay current on issues that affect the community and industry. HABA also offers many networking opportunities with a growing number of businesses becoming members.

To join or obtain an application to be part of HABA contact HABA President Armando Elizarde at 956-440-0883. Current HABA members will need to renew their memberships in January. For more information visit www.harlingenareabuilders association.com

More information about Operation Noel can be obtained by contacting 956-423- 6200. Donations of money, non-perishable items, gifts, etc. may be mailed to the Valley Morning Star at 1310 S. Commerce St, Harlingen, TX, 78550 or, dropped of at the newspaper office.