Interview: Diane Hausserman talks 'Wish Upon a Star' Christmas Gift Program

BOONVILLE- Inflation may be taking a toll on families, but one local church in Oneida County is overjoyed to announce the return of an annual program that helps ensure Christmas is still magical for kids.

It's the 'Wish Upon a Star' Christmas Gift Program, organized and sponsored via the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville, NY.

The initiative was started over three-decades-ago, with the idea in mind to offer a break to families within the Adirondack School District, who are facing financial stress and hardship around the holidays.  

"The community is so generous. They always pick-up all of the stars," said spokesperson Diane Hausserman. 

This is how it works: Legal parents or guardians of children (strictly within the ACS district) can attend a series of sign-ups, where they will fill out a list of what their child (children) want for Christmas. The sign-ups this-year will take place:

• Thursday, November 10th from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, November 11th from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
• Saturday, November 12th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Once the list has been compiled, the names will go on paper stars. These stars will be hung on the Angel Tree at Apple Blossom Floral Shoppe starting on Monday, November 14th.  

Community members play the part as "angels" by adopting a star and, in turn, bringing the child's wish list of items back to the church, unwrapped. From there, these gifts will go back to the families who signed-up. 

"Please consider participating in this amazing tradition and make a difference in a child's life, even if it's just for a day," Hausserman added. "You never know what your gift may do for their confidence and their overall outlook on life."  

For more details, be sure to listen to our latest on-air segment with Diane Hausserman:

Headline image by Brian Trainor.