Speaker Welch’s Annual ‘Christmas in Proviso’ Celebration Fulfills Holiday Wishes for Local Families In Need

HILLSIDE, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch worked to make the holiday season brighter for families in need by bringing together community members and elected officials to deliver gifts to children at his annual ‘Christmas in Proviso’ celebration last weekend.

“Christmas is a time of celebration, and it’s also a time to give back,” said Speaker Welch. “I have joined my colleagues to hold this event for three years now because it is a privilege to be able to give families in my community a merrier Christmas. As a father especially, watching all these kids open their Christmas presents is a highlight of the holiday season for me, and I look forward to it every year.”

The event welcomed more than 350 people from the community, which included preselected, need-based families who received all gifts on their Christmas list paid for by Speaker Welch. All families at the event enjoyed free hot breakfast, refreshments, as well as an opportunity to win prizes from Speaker Welch’s raffle, which included 40 flatscreen TVs, 10 laptops, and more as prizes.

Families who attended also received free gifts donated by Speaker Welch, Amazon and Black Men United. That give away included bicycles, sports equipment, shoes, furniture, clothing, and much more. In partnership with Black Men United and Amazon, everyone at the event was given a turkey or ham and a produce box with fruits and vegetables to help with their holiday celebrations.

“I had the pleasure of joining Speaker Welch for his annual 'Christmas in Proviso' event, collecting presents and meals for children and families who need it most, " said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Everyone should have a little joy around the holidays and I'm thankful we were able to help the families who need it most."

“Christmas in Proviso is a chance for us to truly shed light on the reason for the season,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “Seeing the joy on young kids’ faces when they receive gifts, they otherwise might not have received, makes all the hard work to put on the event worth it. I am thankful for another year of partnering with my dear friend Speaker Welch to make the day possible.”

“I am so happy to participate in our third annual Christmas in Proviso! It gives me great joy to be able to come together with our other municipalities, as well as our state and local representatives, to bring joy and happiness to some of the less fortunate families we serve,” said Village of Bellwood Mayor André F. Harvey. “This is the season of giving and it makes me so elated to spread so much peace, joy and love to so many families.”

“Thanks to Speaker Welch and the many generous residents and friends of Proviso Township, no child in the community will go without a present at Christmas,” said Village of Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson. “Many prayers from parents were heard, and many Broadview families are deeply grateful for the holiday blessings that came their way at this special time of the year for their children.”

“The event was outstanding, well organized and best of all, the kids and the families were so happy and excited,” said Village of Hillside Mayor Joseph Tamburino. “Everyone went above and beyond in making this a special event, and it warmed my heart to see the kids’ happy faces.”

"Christmas in Proviso represents serving those who truly need the resources during the Christmas season,” said Village of Maywood Mayor Nathaniel George Booker. “It is a time where we can lift the spirits of parents and their children during the holidays by giving them some Christmas cheer. In the Village of Maywood, we want to spread all the cheer that we can, every little bit helps, and this is one of those times where the little things that mean everything come to light in Proviso!"

"Christmas in Proviso is not just an event; it's a celebration of community spirit, generosity, and the joy of coming together,” said Village of Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico. “As mayor, I am truly grateful for the warmth and unity this festive occasion brings to our township and the many families served by this event.”

“Christmas in Proviso is such a great event, bringing so many communities together during this festive time of the year to help our families in need,” said Village of North Riverside Mayor Joseph Mengoni. “This event has put smiles on so many faces, and it warms my heart to have been a part of this cherished event.”

“The Village of Westchester was honored to participate alongside all of the Proviso communities in making the holidays a little brighter for the hundreds who came out this year to Christmas in Proviso,” said Village of Westchester Mayor Greg Hribal. “Westchester is always happy to participate in the holiday festivities during this season.”