"Santa" and "Elf" Receive Community Service Award from Daughters of the American Revolution

Wichita, KS, August 27, 2018 --(PR.com)-- On Saturday, August 18, the Mary Draper Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution awarded Santa (aka Mike Dowell) and his Elf (aka Pat Dowell) the Community Service Award for outstanding voluntary achievements in humanitarian endeavors. Mike and Pat for many years have brought Christmas joy to families who, because of their current circumstance, would normally not have a traditional Christmas. The award was presented by members Tonya Buckingham and Tammy Bevan.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution established the Community Service Awards in April 1995 as an opportunity for chapters and states to recognize worthy individuals and organizations for outstanding unpaid voluntary achievements in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, citizenship or environmental endeavors. The individual or organization must have contributed to the community in an outstanding manner through voluntary heroic, civic, benevolent service or by organizing or participating in community activities.

Last December, Mike and Pat Dowell partnered with the Mary Draper Chapter to bring toys to the Wichita Family Crisis Center. The Crisis Center was full of excitement when Santa spoke personally with each child and gave them a gift. For months, the families and staff spoke about the day that Santa came.

The Mary Draper Chapter was formed in February 2017 with the mission of serving the community in the areas of education, patriotism, and historic preservation. The members of the chapter donated books and accompanying toys for Santa to share with the children who were temporarily residing at the Wichita Family Crisis Center. They look forward to doing this project again in 2018.

Issued by The Mary Draper Chapter, www.MaryDraperDAR.org.

For more information, contact:
Tonya Buckingham, Community Service Awards Chair
Tonyabuckingham@gmail.com
316.648.3530