Local theatre group helps charity in Ecuador

It’s the season of giving and one local theatre group is using their talents to sponsor a non-profit organization thousands of miles away.

Many families enjoy traditions that create special memories of the holidays and help set the tone for the season. For the Playmill Theatre, “White Christmas ” is one of those traditions.

“There’s really a niche for a Christmas show,” said Heidi Merrill. “There hasn’t really been a Christmas show done here, so we decided to do that three years ago and it’s been really successful.”

Heidi Merrill, owner and operator of the Playmill Theatre, said this year, everyone wanted to pay it forward. They decided to help a charity called “Dando Amor,” a relief fund for orphans in Ecuador.

It’s also a charity close to Merrill’s heart.

“We went and toured the orphanages that they work with and support and got to actually work at the orphanages and mingle with the kids and do some fundraising,” said Merrill.

To help out the charity’s efforts, part of the proceeds from White Christmas will go to provide funding for the many projects Dando Amor is completing in Ecuador.

Play goers will also have the opportunity to purchase various gifts, which will also benefit the charity.

“They can do their christmas shopping,” said Merrill. “The scarves are gorgeous, the bracelets are hand-made and the cards are hand-made by the orphans. There’s really some neat things they can take home for gifts.”

Playmill Theatre’s production of White Christmas will take place November 29 -30 and December 1 , 3.

For more information, visit www.playmill.com .