By Donna Hales
More than 140 abused or neglected children made safe in foster care won’t be going home for Christmas.
Foster care is their only alternative to be safe and well cared for. There are 2,000 such children in the state, and more than 140 in Muskogee County. They range in age from 1 month to 18 years.
One of their needs not met by the state — Christmas gifts.
But they can bank on one thing — they will have a Christmas, thanks to Department of Human Services workers and area residents.
“Without community support, there wouldn’t be a Christmas for these kids,” said Betty Stevenson of DHS.
This year, the city has allowed DHS to use the armory for A party and dinner for the children.
Volunteers will provide the goodies for the party, which this year will be pizza and other “kid” delights.
Last year, one man donated barbecue for the event and made beans and potatoes.
Employees of each unit at DHS are providing a Christmas wonderland with huge, inflatable Christmas characters.
Honky the Clown will be there with all kinds of balloon characters he makes as the kids watch.
“Their little eyes just shine when they see him,” Stevenson said. “He’s promised to be there — at no charge.”
A gigantic tree will have two presents for each child — each costing up to $30.
“Some have no family member to step up and say they will take them for the holiday,” said Mike Jackson, area director for Muskogee County Department of Human Services.
“What the community donates becomes these kids’ Christmas. They have no family to back them up for Christmas.”
Christmas trees will be set up at various sites in Muskogee to give area residents the opportunity to make these children’s Christmas one of the best ever by buying gifts for them. Fruit and candy is also needed.
“Those are things children remember,” Stevenson said.
Got any extra Christmas wrap? Bring it.
Sometimes church groups and civic clubs adopt some of the children for Christmas. Their toys or goodies will be wrapped by DHS and be under the tree at the Christmas party.
If you’re in a Sunday School class that needs a Christmas project, DHS workers say consider the foster home children.
No names will be on the tags — but a number identifying them to DHS will be on the handmade ornament. Also on the tags made by DHS employees will be what the child hopes for, their age, etc.
One 7-year-old girl has asked for “Princess Stuff,” and Hanna Montana’s name kept cropping up on girls’ lists.
Reach Donna Hales at 684-2923 or dhales @muskogeephoenix.com.
