The White House Christmas Ornament
The annual White House Christmas ornament produced by the White House Historical Association (WHHA) since 1981, is a well known holiday gift tradition and collector’s item that has trimmed thousands of trees around the world in the past thirty years. What many don’t realize is that these beautiful gifts continue to keep giving by providing communities the means of raising funds for their local causes through the sale of the ornament.
The White House ornament program has impacted many communities favorably and also continues to assist the association in accomplishing its mission of educating the public about the history of the White House through its publications, outreach programs and other educational projects.
Benefiting organizations include the Montgomery Village Kiwanis Club in Montgomery Village, MD which has used the ornament fundraiser as a method of raising money for First Books, a non-profit that provides books to low income children. “We devote our time and efforts towards children worldwide,” said Harry Lugenbeel, a member of the Montgomery Village Kiwanis Club, “Our club in Montgomery County was able to provide 12,600 books last year for children. We are already at 10,000 books this year.”
The proceeds from the Williamston, S.C. Palmetto High School Junior Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) fund their annual military ball; a major community event. “This year’s theme is the Vietnam War so we will have veteran’s there and a special program for them,” said Lt Col Mike Creamer, USAF (Ret), Senior Air Space Science Instructor and the JROTC advisor.
To purchase the ornament, whha recommends finding a local charity or organization that is offering the ornament or going online to whitehousehistory.org.
The White House Historical Association was established in 1961 as a non-profit organization to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House. All proceeds from its trusts and sales of ornaments, publications and other association products are used to fund acquisitions of historic furnishings and art works for the permanent White House collection, assist in the preservation of the public rooms, and further its educational mission.
