The Galligan family honors Charlene Smith by creating a memorial in her name to benefit Childress’ annual Christmas in the Park light fantasy.
By Judy Johnson/Former president of Christmas in the Park
CHILDRESS – The family of Darlene Galligan and the late David Galligan has honored the memory of their lifetime friend, Charlene Smith, by creating a memorial in her name to benefit Childress’ annual Christmas in the Park light fantasy.
Charlene was active with the Christmas in the Park committee from its inception in 1996 until her recent passing. At the time of her death, she was serving as treasurer of the group. Funds donated will be used in the purchase of a large Christmas tree which will be the centerpiece of the 2020 decorating of Childress Fair Park and many future lightings of the park.
A marker will recognize Charlene’s efforts to start the CITP effort in 1996 with her twin sister, the late Jeanene Johnston, and her efforts after Jeanene’s death to keep the CITP tradition alive.
Memorial donations will be accepted from anyone wanting to honor Charlene in this manner. Peggy Teague is president of Christmas in the Park. Donations can be left with CITP member Isabel Hernandez at Childress InterBank or checks can be mailed to ATTN: Isabel Hernandez, P.O. Box 780, Childress, TX 79201. Christmas in the Park also accepts donations via PayPal. The Smith family will be notified of all donors.
Because of COVID-19, The Christmas in the Park committee will not be hosting their annual fall fundraising dinner. Regardless, the Christmas lights will be turned on as usual on Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving, depending on the CHS Bobcat football playoffs. They will light Fair Park from that weekend through the evening hours of Jan. 1, 2021.
