Sec. of State Mollis to Light RI State House Christmas Tree
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team
Governor Lincoln Chafee announced that Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis will be lighting the State House Christmas on December 3 at 6 p.m.
This marks the second straight year that Mollis has done the lighting, following Chafee's controversial naming it a "holiday tree" in 2011, before changing it back to "Christmas Tree."
About the Tree
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The 15’ Fraser Fir was donated by Sarah Partyka of The Farmer’s Daughter farm in South Kingstown and will be lit in the state house rotunda.
“I am happy to be part of such a wonderful holiday tradition, lighting the State House Christmas tree. I hope many can come out to join in the festivities this year,” said Mollis.
Mollis will also be included in the lighting of the Heroes’ Tree in the State Room at 6:15 p.m. The tree will be adorned with ornaments from friends and families of military heroes to honor their service.
Entertainment will be provided by local Rhode Island choruses and dance groups including: DAMHSA Irish Dance Foundation, the Venezuelan Rhode Island Performers, Prafulla’s Academy of Dance and Music, and the Grupo Dancas E. Cantares – Do Clube Juventude Lusitana.
There will also be a large-scale gingerbread house to be displayed in the State Room - the house was donated by students of the Exeter Job Corps Academy who will also be providing 200 Christmas cookies as part of the light refreshments offered at the ceremony.
Festivities for the children - including a visit with Mr and Mrs. Santa Claus - will take place from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras and a handmade or purchased ornament to hang on the Heroes’ Tree.
Related Slideshow: 25 Ways to Give for the Holiday Season
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MAE for the Homeless
MAE Organization for the Homeless helps homeless individuals and their families heal from the traumas and anxieties of their situation.
The organization needs funding for a new facility and basic winter accesories - like hats, gloves, and hand warmers - and toiletries for those in need.
Photo: MAE Organization for the Homeless
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RI Tutorial Services
334 East Ave., Pawtucket, RI
RI Tutorial and Educational Services (RITES) assists children who cannot afford tutoring services the help they need.
Donate or sponsor a child who suffers from dyslexia, or ADHD and help them learn and grow.
Photo: RITES
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RI Food Bank
200 Niantic Ave, Providence, RI
Rhode Island Food Bank allows you to donate non-perishable food to needy families this holiday season.
Most needed items include: peanut butter, tuna, canned and dried beans, canned chili, soups and stews.
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Gloria Gemma
249 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI
Donate to breast cancer research this year with Gloria Gemma.
The organization also has walks which you can participate in or sponsor a friend.
Photo: Gloria Gemma
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Confetti Foundation
78 Thames St., Newport, RI
Confetti Foundation uses donations to provide starter party kits for children who have to celebrate their birthdays in the hospital.
Each kit costs $22 to produce, and the organization is looking to reach it's goal of 500 boxes by December 31st this year.
Photo: Confetti Foundation
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Rock Paper Scissors
38 Asa Pond Rd., Wakefield, RI
Rock Paper Scissors Children's Fund is an organization that supports music and art programs for children in Vietnam.
You can even donate a bike to children who often have to walk long distances to get to school.
Photo: Rock Paper Scissors Children's Fund
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New Urban Arts
743 Westminster St., Providence, RI
New Urban Arts was founded in 1997 and provides a community arts studio for students and emerging artists in Providence.
Donate your time as a volunteer to help mentor urban high school kids and help foster a supportive and creative community.
Photo: New Urban Arts
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Rhode Island Blood Center
405 Promenade St., Providence, RI
Save a life this holiday by donating blood or platelets to Rhode Island Blood Center.
Donation hours are:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
Photo: Rhode Island Blood Center
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Amos House
415 Friendship St., Providence, RI
Amos House accepts monetary donations to support the training, housing, and recovery programs they provide for the hungry, homeless and unemployed in Rhode Island.
The organization also accepts donations in-kind such as gently used strollers, pillowcases, laundry detergent, baby formula, and first aid kits for the families who participate in their programs.
Photo: Amos House
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Save the Bay
100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence, RI
Donate or volunteer at Save the Bay this holiday.
You can assist in clean ups and help preserve the natural environment of wildlife in Rhode Island.
Photo: Save the Bay
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Hope Funds for Cancer
226 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI
Hope Funds for Cancer Research holds special events every year to help raise money for young researchers looking for fellowship opportunities.
Become a philanthropist for the organization by attending, or make a gift to help fund cancer research in Rhode Island.
Photo: Hope Funds for Cancer Research
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Support Our Troops
325 Laurel Ridge Ln., N. Kingstown, RI
Operation Support Our Troops sends care packages to members of the armed forces.
Give our troops a sense of home with your donation, and help them remember they are cared for. You can ever make a donation in honor of a soldier in your life.
Photo: Operation Support Our Troops
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Project GOAL
79 Savoy St., Providence, RI
Project GOAL (Greater Opportunity for Athletes to Learn) aims to develop Rhode Island’s disadvantaged youth through after school tutoring and soccer-related programs.
Volunteer your time or support the staff at Project GOAL to help children in your community.
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Operation Stand Down
1010 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI
Operation Stand Down supports veteran female soldiers who have experienced hardship and homelessness in Rhode Island through their Cpl. Holly Charette House.
Help our troops come home and get back on their feet by donating to Operation Stand Down.
You can also help by organizing food drives for their other locations.
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Sojourner House
386 Smith St., Providence, RI
Sojourner House, Inc. is a domestic violence agency that assists victims of relationship violence by providing shelter, advocacy and violence prevention education.
Donate to their safe house wish list with items like toaster ovens, small tables, pillows, fitted sheets, and pots and pans for their residents.
Photo: Sojourner House
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Gaia Vaccine Foundation
146 Clifford St., Providence, RI
Gaia Vaccine Foundation accepts volunteers and donations to help immunize people around the world against AIDS.
The organization has recently won Bill and Melinda Gate’s “Grand Challenge Grant”.
Photo: Gaia Vaccine Foundation
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Children’s Wishes of RI
2346 Post Rd, Warwick, RI
Children’s Wishes of Rhode Island grants wishes to children living with life-threatening medical illnesses.
Refer a special child in your life or donate things like air miles, and fundraising events to help them say “yes” to children in the community.
Photo: Children's Wishes of Rhode Island
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Crossroads RI
160 Broad St, Providence, RI
Crossroads is the largest homeless services organization in Rhode Island.
Donate goods like baby diapers, non-perishable food items, and toiletries to the organization this year to help those who are homeless or at risk during these winter months.
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Johnnycake Center
1231 Kingstown Rd., Peace Dale, RI
The Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale collects food and other items for its annual holiday program to help families in need and is run by youth volunteer members of Teen Jonnycake.
Donations are still needed for their December Holiday Food Baskets such as pancake mix, cereal, canned juice and soups.
Photo: Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale
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Teddy Bear Toss
Friars Hockey will be teaming up with RIPTA on December 6 to donate teddy bears to the West End Community Center.
Make a child's holiday season just a little merrier by bringing a teddy bear to the Friars Hockey Teddy Bear Toss and enjoy the game!
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