Are you looking for a way that your family can get involved together in a hands-on way to share the love of the season outside of your own four walls?
Like many of you, I want to my young son to be able to experience what it is to not only give of our money, but to also have an opportunity to invest personally in the lives of people in our community. Often times that is so hard. Either you can buy gifts for children in need at Christmas, but don’t have the opportunity to connect. Or, there are opportunities to connect yet age limits often do not allow your entire family to participate.
Here is a chance for your entire family!
How We Found Out
Mickey Fitzgerald is known by most as a former NFL player for both the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles. But for the kids who reside at Calvary Children’s Home in Powder Springs, Ga. they know him as a hands-on supporter of their lives. Fitzgerald not only donates money, but supports them with his time and presence. Maybe you have caught a glimpse of him in seasons past as he has taken the kids on spin around the Square in Marietta in a classic 1963 firetruck he purchased for just such occasions….all while he is dressed as Santa!
I have come to know of his work through mutual friends who have had a chance to experience the joy of sharing their time and gifts during the Christmas season. When sharing of why the Smothers family has chosen to partner with Mickey Fitzgerald’s initiative with Calvary Children’s home, Debra Smothers shared her heart by saying, “We can show them that there are many people, that they have never even met, that are thinking of them and praying for their path to be brighter.”
About Calvary Children’s Home
Located in West Cobb, their mission is not just to house kids in need, but to foster their growth in other areas. Since they opened their doors in 1966, they have nurtured over 400 children.
We strive to provide the children with a balanced approach to the physical, social, educational and spiritual needs of their life.
The kids who call CCH their home get to do so for as long as there is a need. Unlike other social programs for kids in need, the children of Calvary are not displaced just because they turn 18. In fact, many of their kids are now high school graduates who are attending college.
Our goal is to provide them with opportunities that challenge and prepare them for life in a difficult and demanding society by showing love, acceptance, understanding and encouragement.
The Need- How YOU can help
Calvary Children’s home relies on the generosity of their community to provide Christmas presents to the kiddos who call it home. Donations are also accepted for the biological children of it’s house parents. House parents and their families are onsite residents who have dedicated their time to serving as parents, friends and counselors to all the children.
There are currently 19 kids who still need a sponsor. Just like all of our own kids, they have a wish list.
Gift Sponsors
Gift sponsors are asked to provide 2-3 gifts from your chosen child’s list. All sponsors and their children are also encouraged to come out to the Christmas party and take part in the Christmas celebration. See below for the list of kiddos. We will do our very best to update the list daily. I just know that as a community we can help!
Ski Trip Sponsors
The middle and high school kids have the opportunity to go on a ski trip after Christmas with their church youth group. The cost of the trip per child is $200. You can choose to sponsor a child’s entire trip cost, or even donate a portion of it. Any amount given to help one of these young people to attend their trip would be appreciated!
Time
If you cannot afford to be a sponsor but would consider donating your time, it is an wonderful way to give. All sponsors and your children are also encouraged to come to the Christmas party and interact with the kids of Calvary Children’s Home.
The Details
Christmas Party
Saturday, December 14th
11a.m.-2p.m.
-Please respond with your intent to donate to [email protected], no later than Friday, November 29.
-Any gifts/donations/gift cards need to be received no later than Thursday, December 12th. Arrangements can be made by for drop-off locations in the Marietta, Roswell and Cumming areas.
-All donations are tax-deductible and you will be provided with a receipt and thank you letter for your donation.
Children and their Wish Lists
5 Girls need Sponsors
Age: 19 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 19 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 19 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 11 Needs a Gift Sponsor
Age: 11 Needs a Gift Sponsor
14 Boys need Sponsor
Age: 16 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 16 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 15 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 15 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 14 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 14 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 14 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 13 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 13 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 12 Needs a Gift Sponsor and a Ski Trip Sponsor
Age: 8 Needs a Gift Sponsor
Age: 7 Needs a Gift Sponsor
Age: 7 Needs a Gift Sponsor
Age: 6 Needs a Gift Sponsor
Click here to download the remaining wish-lists.
