Monessen Businesses and Organizations Partner to Hold Community Christmas for Area Children

Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 December 2025 16:50

By Jill Runfola

Lilie Lendway, age 6, and Halie Lendway, age 20, of Monongahela in front of “Christmas Tree Walk” trees decorated for favorite tree donations in a special raffle drawn. The girls were out enjoying the Christmas festivities.

The Christian Center Church in Belle Vernon’s float carried kids in the parade. They waved and threw candy.

Orchard Church in Monessen was in the event. Workers included (L-R): Church Elder Mila Zuro, Pastor Nancy Gedeon, Volunteer Cheryl Vernet, Pastor Jether Custer and Administrative Assistant Pat McFeely.

Orchard Christian Fellowship Church Pastors Jethe and John Custer. Their church was one of the sites to stop by on Saturday’s Community Christmas

Worship Team members from Christian Center Church and workers with His Place Coffee Shop are (L-R): Singer Eva Levin, Musician Crystal McBee, with His Place in back row -Alex Lyons, the day’s event coordinator and of His Place Lisa Lyons, in front of Alex and with His Place Labrea Stitch, with His Place Madison Winter, and with His Place Addie Walsh.

Pictured (L-R): Shaina Janeda and Rachel D’Alessandro were there in support of majorettes in the parade.

Monessen school district majorettes performed special routine for Christmas parade.

A group of businesses and organizations partnered to bring a community Christmas celebration to Monessen called “Thrill of Hope,” on December 6, 2025, and along with it came joy to the hearts of approximately 150 children throughout the day.

The day’s activities began with a parade at 9:30 am, on Donner Ave. to 4^th St., led with music by the Monessen school district drum line. Breakfast with Santa was being held from 10:00AM to 2:00 pm at Monessen Civic Center where children enjoyed a delicious meal then sat with jolly Santa to share their wish lists. There was plenty of additional fun in store for the kids. Children picked up scavenger hunt cards this year to get stamped at all of the different activities. They then turned the cards in for a delightful prize bag.

The Monessen Library got involved with their ‘Christmas Jubilee Celebration’ with a hot chocolate bar, design your own journal and create your own snowman crafts for children. They also had some great buys on a Christmas shop going on in the main area of the library. Nearby, local businesses, organizations and volunteers were decorating trees outdoors, and people used a donation at His Place Coffee Shop to vote on their favorite tree. The winning tree was to be announced, and a winner was chosen. All proceeds benefitted Monessen school district’s initiative program.

The day also included face painting, a kids’ gym, crafts, games, live music by Christian Center at His Place, and much more! The Monessen Historical Society was holding a special celebration for children as was His Place Coffee, Community and More. The Orchard Christian Fellowship Church had coffee, pastries and fellowship for adults. For children, there were activities including coloring and games with cookies and refreshments and the kids seemed to be enjoying themselves. Pastor John Custer of The Orchard humbly stated that his staff, a small team of workers, did all of the work for their site and a lot of credit goes to them.

The main coordinator of Monessen’s Community Christmas event, Lisa Lyons, said, “I have led the event for the last 4 years, but it’s more importantly the 20-30 organizations of the community that come together and help; so, I don’t need the credit.”

“The coffee shop is a community outreach and I just give back,” said Lyons. The motto of His Place is: ‘Come in, relax, bring a friend or make a new one. It’s always more than just a beverage; it is a connection that can help change the world.’

Organizations and businesses that played a part in planning the event included Mon Valley Paws, His Place Coffee, The Full Potential Project, Monessen Library, The Historical Society, The Orchard Church, SPHS, Family Center, Communities That Care, along with the Fire Dept., Police Dept., and EMS. It was a group effort.

A special thank you to Mon Valley Transit for providing free transportation to the sites all day.