DCS seeks sponsors for foster children

Ever wonder what it feels like to be Santa Claus without the hassle of going from house to house in the bitter cold?

The Department of Children?s Services is looking for individuals, families or organizations to sponsor children and be their Santa Claus for Christmas.

The organization has 35 children who don?t have a sponsor for this Christmas season. Without a sponsor, these children won?t have a gift-filled Christmas.

?We have about half what we usually do,? said DCS employee Jill Bouldin. ?These children have been taken out of their homes and away from their families, friends and even schools. They are looking forward to Christmas. We would like to make sure they get their wish.?

While the department is able to provide for everyday needs of children in state custody, there are not funds available to purchase Christmas gifts. For this reason, foster care Christmas celebrations depend on the generosity of local civic groups, community organizations, school groups, industry and individuals for assistance.

?We understand things have been hard this year,? said Bouldin. ?They have been hard on everyone. We just want these children, who are looking forward to Santa Claus, to have a wonderful Christmas.?

All the children have filled out Christmas wish lists which are available at the Department of Children?s Services office.

To sponsor a child, call 473-1524 and ask for Foster Children?s Christmas Coordinator Sylvia King from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Monetary donations will also be accepted between those hours.