ABC Run/Walk #103 is December 6

by Merlin Anderson

ABC Run/Walk # 103  will be:

Saturday, December 6 at Lisa and Jay Sparks’ home (3 Currie Court, Bloomington) at 8:30 a.m.  (doors open at 8:00)

December’s ABC run will support a specific family participating in the Adopt-a-Family Program who need our help. 

This family (young mother, father and their 2 1/2 year old daughter) are eligible for assistance because of their involvement in the Healthy Start program.  Healthy Start, a Healthy Families Illinois program is a highly effective program in the deterrence of child abuse and neglect.  Through positive, persistent, outreach services and in-home visits, at-risk parents learn about child development, nutrition, parenting and wellness.  Healthy Start reaches out to young, first-time mothers and fathers who are at risk for child abuse or neglect. The Public Health Department, doctors, schools and other community agencies refer parents to Healthy Start during pregnancy or within two weeks after birth. 

About Adopt–a-Family:

Adopt-a-Family was started in 1980 by two volunteers in their basement.  Their goal was to provide Christmas for a few needy families and several foster children.  The program was created as an effort to meet the social, emotional, and financial needs of low-income, multi-dysfunctional families.  The program soon outgrew the basement and became a program of The Children’s Foundation.

For over 30 years, The Children's Foundation Adopt-a-Family Program has provided NEW items for local needy children and families at Christmas, many of whom would not otherwise receive gifts.  It is a very comprehensive program as it provides for the household needs of the family as well as those of the individual.  Our program is volunteer-driven and the support we received from the community is invaluable. 

Only families and individuals who are engaged on receiving services from The Children’s Foundation are eligible for Adopt-a-Family gifts.   Eligibility for individuals and families is determined by their Family Support Worker.  This is not an open enrollment program.  Recipients are required to sign a contract stating that they will not pursue getting gifts from other Christmas charity programs. All voluntary donations will go to help our family in need. 

For more information on how to get involved in Children’s Home + Aid Adopt-A-Family, please contact Laura Cordero at 309-827-0374 ext. 4275 or lcordero@childrenshomeandaid.org.

So, let’s get together to jointly adopt a family for Christmas and have a really fun run followed by a great breakfast and socializing at the Sparks’ home. 

The breakfast will include Lisa’s blueberry pancakes, Meg’s coffee cake, coffee, orange juice, chocolate milk, and more!  Bring something to share if you wish. 

We are suggesting a 3-mile course or a 6-mile course.  Maps will be available.  Of course, you can always create your own distance, depending on your mileage goal for the day.

p.s.  Thanks so much to all who supported the Beaty family at ABC #102 to help them on their way to raising the money they need for a service dog from “4 Paws for Cause” for their five special needs children they adopted.

Looking ahead, the January ABC run (ABC #104) will be on Saturday, January 10, at/for Sugar Grove Nature Center.