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The free event, hosted by the two organizations
was intended to bring joy to area children, and also raise awareness
for the Fostering Grace program. Fostering Grace works with foster
families to help make the transition of children into new families
easier.
Jeanna Gill offered an explanation of the Fostering Grace project
and how it helps those families.
“When a child comes into foster care they usually have nothing more
than the clothes on their backs. We accept donations of every kind
to help fill an immediate need for these children. Clothes, beds,
toys, bikes, baby equipment (swings, bouncy seats, etc.) anything
that can be used by children and teens.
“We go through the donations and organize them so they’re easier to
find. Clothes are washed in scent free detergent (just in case of
allergies), so they are ready to use immediately, and bagged and
tagged to go in our “blessing bags.” These are back packs that
include anything a family might need to get a child through the
night and the first few days of placement in a new home.
“The contents of the blessing bag will depend upon
the age of the child receiving it. For example, a baby bag would
include items like baby soap & lotion, a blanket, a couple bottles,
burp rags, bibs, diapers and more. A teen bag would include items
like toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, deodorant, a lap blanket, and
some school supplies.”
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On Friday evening, the large meeting room at the Legion was
filled with fun games from dart throwing and bowling games to mini-golf and many
more.
Activities included fun things like decorating a Christmas cookie
to take home or eat on the spot, create a Christmas craft or art project, and
sit on the lap of Santa Claus.
In addition to Santa, there were a number of other fun characters including
several pointy-eared elves, and from time to time the gingerbread man was
spotted visiting with children and posing for photos.
Each stop along the way around the room contained a list of sponsors for the
event, and there were many. And, there was of course, sweet treats. Cookies were
donated by a number of local businesses including Arby’s, Casey’s and several
others.
The event proved to be well organized and a lot of fun for everyone involved.
[Nila Smith] |
