Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, December 24, 1999

Release #504-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins 212/788-2958



MAYOR GIULIANI CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS EVE WITH VISIT TO HALE HOUSE

Reads Christmas Classic " 'Twas The Night Before Christmas" To Children And Delivers Christmas Presents

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani celebrated Christmas Eve today with a visit to Hale House, the nation's oldest and best-known program which cares for babies born addicted to drugs, or alcohol, or infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. More than 3,000 children have found sanctuary at Hale House during the past 30 years. Joining the Mayor was Dr. Lorraine Hale, co-founder of Hale House.

"The holiday season in New York City is a wonderful time to celebrate life, to give thanks and to share our good fortunes with others," the Mayor said. "The values that we cherish so much during this time of year - such as charity and spirituality - have been observed at Hale House every day for the last three decades. The work that Dr. Lorraine Hale and Clara "Mother" Hale began in 1969 continues to spread joy to countless children and inspire others to do the same. Hale House will always serve as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas - not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year."

The Mayor listened to children sing Christmas carols before reading to them the Christmas classic ' Twas The Night Before Christmas, which was written by New York City native Clement Clarke Moore on December 23, 1822. The Mayor also distributed Christmas presents.

Clara "Mother" Hale founded Hale House 30 years ago in Harlem. Throughout her extraordinary life, she was universally praised for her efforts to support individuals and families affected by drugs and illness, and for giving them strength and the stability to help themselves.



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