[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 171 (Wednesday, December 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY FOR CHRISTMAS IN APRIL * PRINCE 
                            GEORGE'S COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 4, 2013

  Mr. HOYER, Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Christmas in April * 
Prince George's County, as it marks its twenty-fifth anniversary.
  Thanks to the leadership of founding Chair Cap Mona and the hard work 
and dedication of volunteers and sponsors, Christmas in April * Prince 
George's County has improved the lives of thousands of seniors, 
veterans, people with disabilities, and others in our community by 
providing rehabilitation and critical repairs to their homes.
  With nearly 75,000 volunteers and many generous sponsors, Christmas 
in April has helped rehabilitate 2,253 homes in Prince George's County 
over the past twenty-five years. I'm always inspired to see our entire 
community come together not only to rebuild homes, but to rebuild lives 
and lift spirits.
  I've been proud to join the community at sites each year since 
Christmas in April began this critical work in 1989 to see firsthand 
the difference it makes for our neighbors in need. When I visit the 
houses in April, I often tell the volunteers that at the end of the 
workday they will see the results of their labors and the smiles of 
gratitude on the faces of the individuals and families, and that is the 
compensation and inspiration gained through lending their helping 
hands. That is the real gift of Christmas in April.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm inspired to see so many people in our communities 
come together each year to help their neighbors in need, and I thank 
them for their hard work and dedication to their community. I look 
forward to continuing to work together, and I am confident that 
Christmas in April will continue to carry out its mission of rebuilding 
homes and bringing communities together for at least another twenty-
five years and beyond.

                          ____________________