Father Woody Christmas Party Hosted For The Needy

By Mark Taylor

DENVER (CBS4) - More than 3500 people gathered at the downtown Sheraton hotel Sunday for the annual Father Woody Christmas party.

In its 34th year, the event feeds homeless and at-risk families, provides warm clothes, and distributes a wrapped toy to each child.

"Just different people in the community, this is going to be their Christmas," said Peter Droege, an organizer of the party.

The event also attracts more than 500 volunteers, "Our goal is to welcome them as our honored guests," Droege added.

The event was started by Monsignor Charles B. Woodrich, better known as "Father Woody," in the early 1980s. He invited the most needy into Holy Ghosts Church around the holidays, and fed them a meal.

"It's no longer traditional homeless people, it's families in need," Droege said.

Archbishop Sam Aquila and Father John Fitzgibbons from Regis University were also in attendance. The event is sponsored by Regis University, Daniels Fund, Holy Ghost Church, and the Archdiocese of Denver.

Mark Taylor is a weekend morning anchor and reporter with CBS4 news covering a wide variety of stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkTaylor_TV.