Children have always been at the heart of the holiday season, and in Milroy, Pennsylvania, a unique tradition has been taking place for the past four years. The Milroy United Methodist Church's annual "Santa's Workshop" is not just a place to buy gifts; it's a lesson in the beauty of giving.

Unlock the Joy of Giving this Christmas at Santa's Workshop

History and Origins

This beloved community event was born in 2020 when the former pastor, Rev. Jean Ward, turned her dream into a reality. It has since become a cherished part of the holiday season, bringing families together and teaching valuable lessons. 1: The idea behind Santa's Workshop is to give children a hands-on experience in managing money and making thoughtful purchases. With $10 in pretend money, kids learn the importance of budgeting and making choices that align with their values. 2: It also instills in them the spirit of giving. As they select gifts for their families, they understand the joy of making someone else happy. This year-round lesson is one of the most valuable aspects of the workshop.

What's Available

In Santa's Workshop, children aged 12 and under have the opportunity to buy gifts for their loved ones. The items range from $1 to $5 and include a wide variety of things. 1: There are clothing items that can keep the family warm during the cold winter months. Toys that bring smiles to faces and create memories. Jewelry that adds a touch of sparkle to any outfit. Small appliances for the kitchen that make daily life easier. And handmade items that show the love and effort put into each gift. 2: All these items are donated by local grocers, churches, and individuals, ensuring that there is something for every family member. The generosity of the community makes this event possible.

Community Support

At first, the three United Methodist Churches in the parish - Milroy, Church Hill, and Reedsville - assisted with purchasing and supplying gifts. But as the need grew, the church reached out to the community for help. 1: This year, both Sharp Shopper in Belleville and Milroy Deli have become important sites for receiving items. Drop-offs are open until December 13, allowing everyone to contribute to this wonderful cause. 2: The support of the local community has been crucial in making Santa's Workshop a success. It shows the true spirit of the holiday season - coming together to help those in need.

Food and Refreshments

During Santa's Workshop hours, there will be delicious food available for purchase. Hot dogs, sloppy joes, and soups warm the hearts and tummies of everyone who attends. 1: Drinks and finger desserts add to the festive atmosphere, making it a truly enjoyable experience. It's a chance to take a break from shopping and enjoy some good food with family and friends. 2: These treats add to the overall charm of the event and make it a memorable day for all.

Helping Families in Tough Times

With the economy and high inflation prices affecting everyone, Santa's Workshop is more important than ever. It helps families have a bright Christmas despite the challenges. 1: By providing children with the opportunity to buy gifts and experience the joy of giving, the workshop helps to create a sense of hope and togetherness during the holiday season. 2: It shows that even in tough times, there is always room for kindness and generosity.For more information, call Paul Lesher at (724) 678-6619. Let's come together and make this Christmas a special one at Santa's Workshop.

According to the state department of human services, a significant number of around 6,000 kids find themselves in the foster care system. This situation presents a challenging reality for these children as being away from their families during the holidays can be particularly tough. The shortage of foster families often leads to children being placed far from their homes, creating additional hardships.

One Former Foster Child's Journey to Making a Difference

Premadonna Braddick's Story

Premadonna Braddick and her husband have recently become a family of five through the adoption of their second and third foster kids. Braddick aged out of foster care and deeply understands the struggles of the holiday season from both perspectives - as a foster child and as a parent. Last Christmas, she took a significant step by inviting a teenage girl whose group home had closed down and had nowhere to go. She was able to include this girl in their cherished matching pajama tradition. "I wanted to change the trajectory of these children who are definitely in need of a loving home," said Braddick. This act of kindness shows her commitment to making a positive impact.

Helping Oklahoma's Foster Care Crisis

ShaRhonda Hurd from Wesleyan Youth, a foster care agency, emphasizes the desperate need for more foster homes in Oklahoma. Especially during this time of the year, there are countless children without homes and in desperate need of a family, even just for the holiday season. Lori Franklin with OU-Tulsa's School of Social Work highlights the importance of our community's support for foster families. While not everyone can take in a child directly, everyone can contribute by donating their time and money. DHS runs a wonderful program called Holiday Hope, and there's also Fostering Connections that works year-round to help provide the necessary things and resources for families.

Braddick's Nonprofit - Soaring Eagles

Braddick has established a nonprofit called Soaring Eagles, which aims to help families break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. This is a crucial initiative that addresses a deeper issue within the foster care system. By providing support and resources, Soaring Eagles is working towards creating a more stable and nurturing environment for foster families.Other resources for those interested in getting involved in the foster care system include:Holiday Hope: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/foster/holidayhope.htmlFostering Connections: https://www.fosteringconnectionsok.org/For more information on how to get involved, call 800-376-9729.It is clear that with the efforts of individuals like Premadonna Braddick and the support of the community, there is hope in improving the lives of foster children and creating a more supportive foster care system.