The gifts from World Bank staff are ready for delivery to St. Elizabeth's Hospital, 1966		The guests enjoy dancing at the holiday party, Sheraton Parlor, 1954

Following the tradition started in the early 1950’s, the World Bank Group staff contributed gifts for the patients of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. The collection of gifts was made by a devoted committee of staff members representing each department of the Bank and IFC.

Catherine Jackson and Ruth Achcar with Christmas stockings for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, 1953		World Bank President Eugene Black dancing at the holiday party, 1953		Santa Claus visits World Bank, 1955

Each December, World Bank Group staff celebrated the season with a holiday party. The World Bank President and his wife would greet the guests upon entering the party. After that, the celebration would start with dinner followed by dancing to a wide variety of live music.

Guests dance to the music of the band at the holiday party, 1954		World Bank President George Woods and his wife Louise greet guests at the holiday party, 1964

In addition to the Bank-wide party, individual departments often held smaller parties for the children of Bank staff. The children enjoyed dressing up in their native clothing and helping to spread holiday cheer throughout the Bank.

Guests dancing at the holiday party, 1957		Bank Group children from India, Mexico, Sierra Leone and the Philippines enjoy the Christmas tree, 1970		World Bank President Robert McNamara and his wife Margaret greet guests at the holiday party, 1968

These days, Bank departments contribute the majority of their holiday funds to various charities in keeping with the Bank's dream of a world free of poverty.

Guests singing at the holiday party, December 17, 1953		The band playing at the holiday party, Sheraton Parlor, 1954

Previously Featured Documents/Photos

This is the December/January 2006 Photo of the Month, produced by the World Bank Group Archives to highlight the World Bank's contributions to development.