Checking and updating the holiday wardrobe

A sure sign of the approaching holidays is Cottage parents Carl and Laurie's beginning to take closer notice of some of their charges' recent growth spurts. A quick wardrobe check confirms that much of the clothing has "shrunk" and will have to be replaced prior to the big Holiday Thanksgiving Celebration November 12.

Required items, such as sport jackets, dress shirts, slacks and shoes (not sneakers), must be either purchased with each Rancher's clothing allowance or discovered among the inventory on hand at the Ranch. Naturally, most boys would rather spend their allowance on everyday school clothes, not holiday attire. Finding all the proper outfits will keep Carl and Laurie busy for some time. Once each boy's wardrobe is completed, it must be cleaned, pressed and stored under lock and key -- only to reappear on the appointed day.

Completing holiday wish list

Next on the Cottage's unique Advent calendar is time for the boys to complete their Wish List that specifies the three gifts each would like to receive from the Retired Teachers' Group. Some of the new arrivals are skeptical and have to be prodded to participate, but Cottage veterans assure them that their wishes will indeed be fulfilled.

On the evening of November 12, the long awaited Holiday Thanksgiving Celebration finally arrives. All the Ranchers, dressed in their holiday finery, enter the beautifully decorated Activity Center together with their Cottage parents. The boys split up among the tables where invited guests are seated. Among the many staff members, officers and loyal Ranch supporters present are CUT's liaisons, Fred and Betty Egre with Charles and Nancy Kubecka. After the preliminary opening remarks and a convocation by one of the Ranchers, the real highlight of the Ranchers' celebration begins. Abundant holiday fare is attractively present on buffet tables available in turn to all.

Expressing thanks

There is enjoyable, lighthearted conversation between guests and Ranchers. But soon after the meal, it is the guests' turn to delight in the program when many of the Ranchers have the opportunity to step up to the microphone and thank those in the audience for rendering meaning and hope for their future. It is indeed a thoughtful and spiritual moment that underlies the true meaning of the Florida Sheriffs' Youth Ranch movement.

Receiving gifts from our Retired Teachers' Club (TRIF-CUT)

The final significant event of the holidays comes on the evening of December 12 when the entire Ranch presents its Open House. Friends, contributors, and just neighbors come to visit the three beautifully decorated cottages to meet the youngsters who are all on the their very best behavior. (They've been told who's coming to town!) Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres chosen by each Cottage are served and the Christmas trees are lighted. Finally, when the last visitor has left, Carl and Laurie produce the wrapped gifts brought back from the Retired Teachers' luncheon held the previous day where both Cottage parents and one of their charges made an appearance as invited guests.

It is the culmination of a month of holiday activities that several of the boys have never before experienced. For those of us who have grown up participating in the joys of the season, it may be difficult to comprehend that some could experience so few pleasures at this time of year. Suffice it to say that we, as supporters of Egan Cottage for the third straight year, should feel great pride in what we've been able to accomplish, not only on the holidays, but year round.

Returning home for vacation

Finally, one week later, the Ranchers depart for their home visits during school vacation period. For those for whom it is not possible to go home, the Ranch provides housing and suitable experiences to make up for the lack of a home visit.

Hopefully, we have given you a realistic insight into what Egan Cottage has meant for our boys at this significant time of year. We trust you will be far from disappointed.