 A HOPEful Christmas
More than 70 children in the Round Rock area are enjoying a special Christmas, thanks to the HOPE (Healthy Opportunities that Protect and Empower) program at Texas Baptist Children’s Home. The reason is that HOPE has shifted its Christmas-time focus to more directly help children whose parents have fallen on hard times. “In the past, we have helped about 10 families in the area at Christmas based on need,” said Cara Kyle, HOPE's Community Outreach Coordinator. “This year, we wanted to spend our resources on the children we see every week.” Each week, two area apartment complexes play host to HOPE’s after-school program, while HOPE visits a third apartment complex every other week. During that time, school-age children gather for educational and fun activities with Cara, HOPE Program Supervisor Sarah Kuykendall, and volunteers. “For a lot of these children, this is the highlight of their week,” said Sarah. “We try to make a real impact in their lives for the short time we are with them.” Over the years, some children have been regular participants, developing strong relationships with the HOPE staffers. That was one reason the program decided to switch its focus this Christmas. “We know these kids and their families, we are familiar with their struggles,” Cara said. “And this is one way we know we can bring more joy to their Christmas.” While Cara and Sarah are familiar with most of the kids’ home situations, the extent of need is different for each family. “For instance, one mom is fighting cancer and will be unable to go shopping for her kids for Christmas,” Cara said. “We wanted to make sure that each child had at least one gift to open at Christmas.” HOPE has been gathering sponsors to provide one present per child plus stocking stuffers. The gifts will be delivered during three separate parties hosted by HOPE. So far, sponsors, including individuals and volunteer groups, have been very generous. "We are so thankful to everyone who has pitched in to help us make this a very special Christmas for our kids," said Sarah. "It just goes to show how special our supporters are." In addition to after-school programs, HOPE also provides food, clothing and limited financial assistance to those in need. For Cara, working with the kids is her favorite part of the job. “It’s nice to know that we can provide consistent activities in their lives where there a lot of consistency otherwise,” she said. “This is where our hearts are. If we can be something positive in their lives, then they will be something positive in someone else’s life, too.”
|