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University and local organizations team up to help needy children

A child's memories of Christmas can be the happiest memories of a lifetime, and some community members are making sure local abused children have the opportunity for a happy Christmas.

The University's Library Affairs, the Poshard Foundation and "Pat's Kids" have teamed up for the third consecutive year to collect donations for abused, neglected and abandoned children in the area.

Monetary donations can be made on campus at the circulation desk at Morris Library during business hours or at the Northwest Annex's administrative office. People who chose to donate will have an ornament in their name adorning the library's Christmas tree.

"We have gotten [donations] from students, faculty, staff and also the community has come in or sent in money to go towards the cause," said Roberta Reeves, who works in the library's constructional support services. "Sometimes people just have change in their pocket and give whatever they have on them at the time."

Reeves said three years ago, the library staff was looking for a way to contribute during the holiday season. Someone heard about "Pat's Kids," an annual benefit for abused children, and the library has been involved ever since.

Unlike the Poshard Foundation, which helps children throughout the year, "Pat's Kids" raises money strictly for the holiday season.

Glenn Poshard, founder of the Poshard Foundation and chairman of the SIU Board of Trustees, said Christmas is a special time for children, and he believes abused and neglected children deserve a special Christmas.

"I think some of the fondest memories that any of us have growing up is being at home with our families and getting gifts," said Poshard, who began helping needy children during his time in the United States Army. "This is hard to come by with these children."

Poshard said he hopes people think about these children not only during the holidays, but all year long.

"It's important that people remember that these children are in our mist all year round," he said.

Pat Benton, a radio DJ for Magic 95.1 who spearheaded the fundraiser, said he begins letting people know about the event in October and ends on December 10.

Benton said children from local shelters or those in protective custody write letters explaining their home-life situation and what they want for Christmas.

Some of the children's letters ask for new clothes, Christmas trees or new jewelry for their mommies. Others ask for safe places for their siblings to live or for their parents to stop using drugs.

"The number of these kids are surprising," Benton said. "Some of the letters are pretty compelling."

Benton reads the letters on air during his morning show, and the library displays them by its Christmas tree.

Reeves said the letters are heartbreaking, and once people read them, they feel compelled to make a donation.

"They're usually asking, 'Can you give my mom a coat?', 'Can you make my mom well?" Reeves said.

Once the money is collected, Benton said each child receives $100 to go toward anything they want. He said they try to get the children at least one set of clothes and some food and toys. They also work with other already established organizations to make sure the children receive everything they need.

The children's' parents or legal guardians are accompanied by a social worker to pick out their children's' presents. The social worker accompanies the parent to make sure the money is spent solely on the child.

Reeves said allowing the parent or guardian to buy their child's gifts is one of the best parts of the fundraising.

"We're empowering the parent so they can go get the presents themselves," Reeves said.

Benton said the idea came from a conversation with Poshard three years ago. He said they discussed how a lot of children in Southern Illinois do not have a chance to have much of a Christmas. Benton then decided to become involved and help raise money.

Benton said the first year of fundraising, the groups raised $53,000, and last year, they raised $100,000. Benton said all of the money goes to the children.

He said not only do the children benefit from the fundraising, but he also does.

"I feed my soul," Benton said. "I absolutely get the best feeling in the world out of this."

Morris Library holds business hours Monday through Friday from

 

 

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