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Area children and their families are invited to an afternoon of family fun at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital on Sunday, December 8, from 12 to 3 p.m. for Christmas Under Construction. Partners of Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital and hospital staff are hosting the annual Preview to Christmas, a fundraising community family event. It is a fun-filled atmosphere for children with hands-on activities, games and refreshments. There is no admission cost, although there is a small charge to participate at some of the stations and for a small lunch box meal. All proceeds help fund projects and equipment purchases to contribute to the health and quality of life in our area.

Iva Mulhern and Lorna Davis of Partners are co-chairing the event. “As children enter the hospital’s main entrance, they will be greeted at the Construction Check Point and receive a welcome bag. Each family will be given a program containing a map to help them design their blueprint for an afternoon of fun,” Iva Mulhern said.

“There will be refreshments at Break Time Refreshments, and the children will be creating their own make and take project at Diggers, Dozers and Dump Trucks at Work. Children will also enjoy being part of the Construction Corridor, testing their skill at the Quarry Rock Toss and checking out the Tool Time Tattoos. For minimum donations, children will be able to shop for two gifts at Partners’ Gift Depot.”

Lorna Davis adds, “Families are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the excitement of the afternoon. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, as well as Mrs. Pockets. The Hospital Cafeteria will be transformed into the Lunch Box offering a $2 lunch box meal of 2x4 on a bun, woodchips, concrete mix, and construction cone (hot dogs, chips, ice cream and dessert). Chances for the Children’s Drawings will be available. The Cookie Loading Zone will also be a favorite stop for the little ones, where they can decorate their own cookies.”

Children are reminded to bring their letters to Santa addressed to the North Pole. Santa’s elves have placed a mail box at PdC Memorial for the little ones to mail their letters. If they haven’t written that important letter, children will have help to write their messages at Bob the Builder’s Letters to Santa.

There will be fresh baked holiday treats at the Hard Hat Bakery in the front entrance of the hospital offering a selection of goodies to help with holiday entertaining, as well as handmade dish rags for purchase. The gift of love can also be shared with a donation through the Season of Lights and the Walk of Stars.

A raffle is another tradition and popular component of the Preview. Area businesses and individuals have generously donated prizes for this fundraiser, including handcrafted items, cash, gift certificates, gift boxes, and holiday decorations. The display case in the hospital’s front entrance showcases the raffle prizes and recognizes the donors. Raffle tickets are available from Partners, hospital employees and at the hospital reception desk. The raffle drawing will be held at 2:30 p.m. during the Preview followed by a 50-50 Drawing.

The Christmas Under Construction theme coincides with the hospital’s construction of a new state-of-the-art health center. The theme was suggested by Rose Cantu, RN, Infection Control, earning her the role of Honorary Co-Chair.