Easter Seals unveils Albany Christmas ornament

ALBANY — Easter Seals Southern Georgia unveiled its 2013 Christmas ornament at a small ceremony Tuesday at its Albany office.

To commemorate the occasion, Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard read a proclamation showing the city’s support of the local organization and the annual ornament project.

“I want to thank Easter Seals for all they do for those in south Georgia with disabilities,” said Hubbard. “We urge all citizens, young and old, to support this project.”

Easter Seals Southern Georgia Executive Director Beth English told those who attended that the sale of the organization’s annual Christmas ornament has become an important fundraiser that has helped to raise awareness of the organization and its mission.

Since 1992, Easter Seals Southern Georgia has been designing and selling the Christmas collectibles, something that has grown into a tradition that many collectors and Christmas enthusiasts look forward to each year.

“We are so proud of this longstanding Christmas tradition,” English said. “The ornaments have become quite a collectible.”

This year’s ornament, made of 24 carat gold plate over brass, honors long time Albany business Pat’s Cycle Shop, which was owned by Pat Pellicano and was located in downtown Albany for more than 35 years.

Members of the Pellicano family were present at the ornament unveiling and expressed pride that Pat’s Cycle Shop could once again put a smile on people’s faces at Christmas time.

“I couldn’t think of a more fitting time of year for this to happen,” Tony Pellicano said. “Christmas was always a special time of year for the shop.

“This ornament represents a lot of happy kids. We thank you for this honor.”

Each ornament is numbered and packaged in a holiday gift box, and can be purchased directly from Easter Seals Southern Georgia for a cost of $15. All proceeds from the ornament sales will benefit the numerous children and adults served by Easter Seals throughout the year.

“It is wonderful to see everyone coming together to support our organization during the season of giving,” English said. “The ornament really will add something special to your tree.”

Easter Seals is a not-for-profit organization that provides programs and services to children, adults and families with special needs or disabilities.