(Rock Island, IL) Approximately 25 refugee families from eight countries speaking eleven different dialects will gather Thursday, December 14th for a fun-filled day of traditional Christmas activities.  The day, organized by Spring Forward Learning Center teachers, begins at 9:30 am with cookie decorating followed by a 10 am visit from Santa Claus at the Church of Peace (1114 12th Street Rock Island).

After Santa’s visit the refugee families will make ornaments, wrap presents and enjoy cookies and ice cream.  The immigrants and refugees are attending English Learner classes at the Church of Peace come from many different countries including Burma and the Republic of Congo.

Dan McNeil, the Director of Spring Forward Learning Center, said, “It’s Spring Forward’s mission to provide free educational opportunities for individuals in Rock Island. The program has helped so many families adjust to their new life in our community and we are so proud to be a part.”

Spring Forward Learning Center is celebrating ten years as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, serving children and families in the Rock Island-Milan School District by offering free education programs for families in need. This year, Spring Forward will serve more than 600 children and adults in our after-school, summer enrichment and family literacy programs.

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