Fannin County Children's Center Christmas Drive

Christmas all wrapped up at the Children’s Center

More children received Christmas presents this year from the Fannin County Children’s Center. In all, 165 children and youth received presents of clothing, shoes, coats, toys and more. That was 36 more children than last year.

“Fortunately, our generous supporters kept up with this increase in need,” said Sandy Barber, Executive Director of the Children’s Center. “We were touched to see so many individuals, businesses, churches, youth organizations and others give what they could to help our kids have a brighter holiday.”

Students from Trenton and Bonham High Schools helped wrap many of the gifts again this year. Girl Scouts from Leonard helped wrap too, as did the Fannin County Queen, Princess and Little Miss. Board members, volunteers and staff also helped complete the huge task of wrapping all of the gifts before they were distributed.

As they have for many years in a row, the WalMart, Fannin County Courthouse, First National Bank of Trenton, Doris Shockley’s State Farm and Tax Assessor Collector Office put up teddy bear trees to help the center collect presents. Fannin Bank joined in this effort this year too.

Texoma Marine Toys for Tots, United Methodist Women of Leonard, Kiwanis Club of Bonham and the employees of Bonham Chrysler are just some of the other groups who also contributed to this effort. Countless numbers of individuals and groups also gave money and items to this effort. One anonymous donor, who preferred to be called “Santa” donated 10 bicycles of various sizes for boys and girls.

Presents of clothes, shoes, coats, toys and other items were given to the children and youth who are being served by CASA and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Some of the children are living in foster homes, away from family and friends. Other children have gone to live with grandparents or other relatives as a result of abuse or neglect. Many of these families struggle financially when one or more children suddenly come to live with them. In other families, the discovery of sexual abuse in the home has meant the loss of family income when the offender leaves.

Thanks to our 2011 Christmas Donors!

Many thanks to everyone who has given to this effort this year. To see photos of just some of our donors, check out our Facebook page. (You can click on this link and view these photos even if you do not have a Facebook page.)