Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The annual Christmas Project for local foster children is beginning to compile a list of individuals, families, church groups and organizations who can donate gifts to the children. 

 

The children are ages zero to 18 with a few in extended foster care that are between 18 and 21 years of age. As of Thursday, Oct. 13, there are 117 children on a list waiting to be matched with a donor. Each child makes a list of everything they would like to receive on Christmas morning. The list is given to the donor, who goes shopping then community volunteer Lauren Riddick picks up the gifts that are delivered to the children by the Beaufort County Department of Social Services. 

 

“They are precious children that need a little extra love and this is a way help them and to give back something…,” Riddick said. She continued to say it’s a “blessing” to see the community respond quickly to an announcement that the Christmas Project was collecting donations. The announcement was made two weeks ago and as of Oct. 13, around 30 children have been matched, Riddick said. 

 

“Everybody that does it comes back to do it again,” Riddick said. “It’s such a blessing to see the community reach out and be involved like they are.” 

 

Donors can choose to give a financial contribution instead. The money is used to purchase any remaining gifts from the childrens’ wish lists.  

 

The last day to donate is Christmas Eve, Riddick joked, because she said there is usually an additional child at the last minute who can be matched. 

 

Deputy Director of the Beaufort County Department of Social Services Lori Leggett said the Christmas Project helps supplement what foster families are able to give and it ensures the children get exactly what they want for Christmas. 

 

“….the children are always very thankful…and are extremely excited about what they receive,” Leggett said. 

 

For those interested in being matched with a foster child, contact Riddick at 252-943-5643. Those who wish to make a financial contribution can mail a check to Kiwanis Special Youth Fund P.O. Box 2711 Washington, NC 27889.