The CAN DO Student Action Committee will ring in the holiday season as it hosts the 26th annual CAN DO Community Christmas on Wednesday, December 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Hazleton, located on the corner of Church and Green streets in downtown Hazleton.

The public is invited to attend this free event, which features performances by students in choral groups, orchestras and jazz bands from schools throughout Greater Hazleton. This year’s performers include the MMI Preparatory School Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Tina Lizbinski, the Hazleton Area High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Joseph Stefanko, the Hazleton Area High School Cougar Swooners under the direction of Kim Sharonoff, the Heights Terrace Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jennifer Gerhard and the Heights Terrace Elementary School Third Grade Chorus under the direction of Rachel Brimmer.

Children can make their Christmas lists at the Letters to Santa table and talk with Santa Claus when he makes a special appearance at the end of the evening. CAN DO Student Action Committee members will be on hand to greet attendees, serve refreshments and help children craft their letters to Santa.

CAN DO Board of Directors Chairman William Magnotta said the Student Action Committee members have worked hard to put together this event and help everyone in Greater Hazleton usher in the holiday season.

“The Student Action Committee members are always excited to bring this wonderful holiday event to downtown Hazleton. It’s always a very festive celebration and is a great way to bring the community together to kick off the holiday season,” Magnotta said. “This event would not be possible each year without these talented young singers and musicians and their instructors, who generously share their time and talent with us each year. We’d also like to give special thanks to our sponsors, which include Gottstein Corporation, Humboldt Industrial Supply, Keystone Job Corps, United American Security and WYLN.”

CAN DO Community Christmas is coordinated by co-chairs Grace Mussoline and Isabella Schwabe of Marian High School. Additional Student Action Committee members are: Francine Lamasko, Marin Dremock, Jasmine Beiler and James “JT” Vozar of Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences; Angelina Joseph, Vincent Damiano and Daniella Guillen of Hazleton Area High School; Yokaira Concepcion and Saraiha Rossi of Immanuel Christian School; Julia Kreisl and Alexander Kubishin of Marian High School; Moran Long and Macy Zenier of MMI Preparatory School; and Rachel Caccese and Nikki Polivka of Weatherly Area High School. CAN DO Director of Administration Nancy Stasko and Charles Burkhardt are the Student Action Committee co-advisors.