Guardian Ad Litem court officials' campaign makes Christmas brighter for Wayne children
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on December 15, 2006 1:45 PM
For more than 100 Wayne County children who otherwise would find little if anything under the Christmas tree this year, Santa Claus will come from an unlikely source.
The children will get the chance to unwrap gifts this year thanks to the support of the Wayne County Family Court and Guardian Ad Litem program and the programs' supporters.
Now in its seventh year, the "Every Child Deserves A Christmas" program gives individuals, businesses and other organizations an opportunity to donate money or adopt a family or child so more Wayne children can have a Merry Christmas.
Beginning in October, Every Child Deserves A Christmas held a softball tournament to raise money for the cause. But individuals and organizations also had a big impact on the campaign's success.
Committee members said they were especially proud of the honor societies at Charles B. Aycock, Eastern Wayne, Goldsboro and Southern Wayne high schools, who also contributed to the campaign.
"I really think they deserve some recognition. I think it's special to see young people raising money for gifts for other young people," committee member Pam Gatlin said.
About 20 businesses and about 20 people also contributed to the program, which will serve 110 children this Christmas. Committee members select children involved in the Abuse and Neglect Church. Many of those children either live in foster homes or with relatives, and the program focuses on those who live with their relatives.
For more information on Every Child Deserves a Christmas, call Guardian Ad Litem at 731-5659.