On Thursday, December 6, peers and staff of Perry Wellness Center participated in the annual downtown Americus Christmas Parade.  Hours of preparation went into designing and creating the float for the event, and the Geese Christmas Carolers choir rehearsed for their role in the event.

The theme for this year’s submission:  “We Receive Gifts Each Day from Perry Wellness Center.” Peer members wrapped and carried gift boxes emblazoned with such words as:  Compassion, Love, Understanding, Friendship, Physical Training, Positive Experiences, Life Skills, Peer Support, Encouragement, Happiness, Power, Knowledge, Pride, Nourishing Food, Security, and Support.

During the parade, several peer members walked the parade route alongside the float, carrying these symbolic gifts, while others rode upon the brightly decorated float.  All participants sang an assortment of Christmas carols.

Everyone’s hard work paid off when it was announced that Perry Wellness Center had placed second in the entire float competition!

In this photo, gift boxes are prepared by, from left:  Mary Green, Rozella Reynolds, program director Jackie Teasley, Kaylon Holt, and Andrea Prusso.