Earth angels needed for local foster children
By WALLYCE TODD
Staff Writer
When Sue Wells’ friend called her, she heard about a reality that went straight into her spirit. This truth was that many local foster children may face a holiday season of having – at most - only one gift provided for them.
“It makes me want to cry. It just breaks my heart,” said Wells. So, when her friend told her about the “Angel Tree” project, she responded with conviction: “It’s definitely something I want to be a part of.”
Wells is the type of person two local agencies are hoping will respond to a strong need within the local community. This need is for gifts for foster children living in area foster homes.
Whatever one’s religion, whatever one’s socio-economic status, whatever one’s ideas are about the role of government and its agencies, there’s a known fact – virtually all children yearn to know that someone loves them and cares about their desires, especially at this time of the year.
This is the main reason the Angel Tree project is in existence, says Barbara Graham, a local adoption social worker and representative of the Department of Social Services. The DSS and the Guardian ad Litem Office are co-sponsoring this year’s “sponsor a foster child” community service project.
“This project supplements what our departments can do – so each child is blessed to have a holiday that gives them a real sense of security and love,” stated Graham.
“The Angel tree project allows children to have a normal Christmas in their foster homes, given all the turmoil in their lives,” said Christy Robbins. Robbins is the program supervisor for Bladen and Columbus counties within the Guardian ad Litem program.
Robbins is well aware of what she speaks.
Children are not placed in foster homes unless they have been exposed to neglect or abuse in their family homes. Her department provides volunteer advocates for the courts who represent the children in foster care so their best interests and wishes are considered.
This year’s Angel Tree project has placed two Christmas trees decorated with beribboned tags that include a local foster child’s wish list. One tree is located within the Parks and Recreation Building near the courthouse (106 W. Smith St. Office #7). The other tree is located at the Carolyn T. High Memorial Library, 407 N. J.K. Powell Blvd.
Graham noted there may be a misconception in the minds of some about what the government agencies provide for foster children during the holidays.
“A lot of people think the system provides everything for foster care.” She emphasized that this is not true. “Christmas time is the time when we don’t have funds to provide but, say one gift, for each child.”
Robbins noted that sponsoring a child for the holidays can be done by individuals or groups. “You can supply the gifts that these children have requested for about $50-$60. We try to have only wish lists that are affordable.”
The cost of a few gifts may make a world of difference in the life a child. For Wells and others, that fact is priceless.