In December, CITC throws a party for 6,000 kids and family members from families living in Boston area shelters. And what a party! An extravaganza featuring:

• A red-carpet welcome parade
• Live entertainment – including the Blue Man Group
• Costume characters
• Games
• An indoor amusement park
• A petting zoo
• Tons of kid-friendly activities
• Plenty of goodies to eat

Santa Claus is comin’ to town

Each child, one smile at a time, gets a visit with Santa, who makes sure everyone gets:

• A personalized gift from their wish list
• A backpack or shopping bag full of toys, stocking-stuffers, hats, mittens, gloves, t-shirts, books…

And we like to make sure there’s a little something for the grown-ups, too.

This is no ordinary party

We offer the things that most of us take for granted, but are often hard to access when you’re living in a shelter:

• Health Screenings
• Dental screenings
• Flu shots
• Haircuts

Why go all out?

Because these children and their families deserve a day that’s all about being welcomed and cherished, joyful, and worry-free. Our guests tell us that the party is:

• A magical experience
• A blessing
• A day filled with joy
• The best day of their lives
• A life changer

And the 2,000 volunteers who staff the party tell us the same things!

For 2022, in lieu of the large party, we will again be hosting CITC: Delivered, bringing gifts and a meal to families living in a number of the shelters we work with.