Information: eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices
Kids in Georgia’s Head Start Association Mission programs got their very own Christmas parties complete with story time, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus with a bag full of gifts. The 46th annual Children’s Christmas Party was thrown by the IBM Southeast Employees’ Credit Union at Head Start locations on Dec. 9 and 15 in Atlanta and Marietta, respectively.
Her former mentor impressed on Kathleen Baker the importance of giving back to the community. “What better way than to start with the children in the community,” said Baker, branch manager of IBMSECU Federal Center in Atlanta. “We are located next to the Department of Health and Human Services which manages the GA Head Start program. Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood and family development services to low income children and their families. What better way to find legitimately needy children than the ones they serve.”
With the assistance of Head Start officials, the credit union invited 50 children from several classes in neighboring Atlanta schools. Staff members entertained the children by singing carols, reading stories and welcomed Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman, who delivered a large bag of gifts to each child. The day also included a full lunch for all teachers, parents, children and volunteers.
“While Christmas is not all about gifts, to a child it is a huge deal,” said Baker. “If we could make a difference by making it a special and more memorable Christmas for them, we are going to go all out to do so.”
The Georgia Head Start Association is a statewide non-profit organization with the mission to provide education, leadership and advocacy to deliver quality comprehensive services to children and their families. GHSA represents the 31 Head Start and Early Head Start agencies in the state of Georgia that provide services to over 25,000 low-income preschool children birth through five-years-old and their families.
Head Start also welcomes volunteers. People can help in the classroom and on field trips, assist in renovating centers and support parent education at their local Head Start locations.
In other news: Through a ticket sale donation, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta raised $10,000 for Bert's Big Adventure during its showing of "ELF The Musical" that played Dec. 2-6 at the Fox Theatre. The local nonprofit organization provides an all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families.
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