A volunteer for Girls Incorporated of Monroe County described the graham cracker and white chocolate creations as more of “graham cracker bungalows,” which the girls made for the gingerbread house decorating portion of the 2014 Girls Inc. Holiday Hoopla.
The Hoopla started at 9 a.m. Saturday at Fountain Square Mall. In addition to decorating gingerbread houses, members of Girls Inc. and the community were welcomed to have breakfast, partake in holiday crafts and start the season on a high note.
“(The Hoopla) is basically reaching the community more than just the families and the college students,” said Kristi McCann, executive director of Girls Inc . “We really want all families to feel a part of an event like this. It’s all about the community for this. It’s letting the community know who we are and what we do and have a good time starting the ?holidays right.”
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015, the Monroe County chapter of Girls Inc. aims to inspire girls to be “strong, smart and bold,” ?McCann said.
Programs in media literacy, economic literacy and physical activity help Girls Inc. fulfill its mission.
“How we provide what our mission stands for to the girls is we have after-school programming, and all of our programming is in helping girls lead healthy lifestyles, having academic success and making wise, healthy decisions in life on a variety of topics,” ?McCann said.
In addition to after-school programs, Girls Inc. also offers programs on days when school is not in session.
“I love getting kids stoked about life,” program director Katie Hakes said. “I studied social work when I was in school and just love being around kids and teens. It’s just such a fun job. I really love it.”
As part of the Hoopla’s programming, participants were able to eat a pancake breakfast provided by BuffaLouie’s, make holiday crafts and shop at the “Kids Only” boutique with discounted items donated by local businesses.
In addition to help from the community, volunteers came from IU student groups, including Civic Leadership Development, IU Student Foundation, the women’s field hockey team, Gamma Phi Omega and the Asian Informatics and Computing ?Community.
Not only were hundreds of children’s eyes aglow from the lights all around, adults enjoyed the holiday fun, as well.
“It was fun to see the girls having fun,” said Jodi Holland, TiAnna and Alivia’s ?grandmother. “It’s a really good thing they put on. I really appreciate it.”
TiAnna looked up from her graham cracker bungalow.
“Thank you for bringing us here,” she said to her grandmother. Alivia echoed TiAnna’s thanks, and the girls resumed work on their sweet creations.
