Norristown elementary students received prizes for submitted art and essays

The “Holiday Giveaway Contest” was a partnership effort between IBEW Local 98 and the Philadelphia Building Trades, The Ebenezer Foundation and Elmwood Park Zoo

A student smiles for their mother after receiving a new bike during the Community Holiday Party hosted by IBEW Local 98 and the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council in partnership with the Ebenezer Foundation at the Elmwood Park Zoo.
Colleen Clagg/for PhillyVoice

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IBEW Local 98 and the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council partnered with the Ebenezer Foundation and Elmwood Park Zoo to bring joy to many Norristown-area elementary school children during the holiday season.

The partner organizations sponsored a "Holiday Giveaway Contest" in which students could submit original works of art and written essays to win a new bike or toy just in time for the winter holidays.

Children from Kindergarten through Second Grade were able to submit an original piece of art. Children in Grades Three through Six could submit a brief, original essay on "What they love most about Norristown?"

On Friday, December 22, the winners and their families were celebrated and presented with their prizes at a "Community Holiday Party" at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown.

Colleen Clagg/for PhillyVoiceNorristown Municipal Council President Thomas Lepera and Executive Director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo Al Zone help a student pick out a bicycle.

Colleen Clagg/for PhillyVoiceExecutive Director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo Al Zone, Pennsylvania State Representative for the 54th Legislative District Greg Scott and Norristown Municipal Council President Thomas Lepera speak to students and their families during the Community Holiday Party.

Colleen Clagg/for PhillyVoiceStudents ride their new bikes during the Community Holiday Party.

IBEW Local 98 and the Philadelphia Building Trades enjoy a great working relationship with Elmwood Park Zoo and share a mutual respect for the great charitable work of the Ebenezer Foundation.

The Ebenezer Foundation, a registered 501(C)-3 non-profit that ran the contest, is in need of financial support to continue providing youth development and educational opportunities for Norristown's children. Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to:

Ebenezer Foundation
34 East Germantown Pike #201
Norristown, PA 19401