Area church provides needed items for youth in foster care

The Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church of Forsyth helped out a local organization during the Advent Season, through the church's Giving Tree Project.

This year, the church, made up of approximately 80 families, focused on foster children, and a program known as Suitcases for New Beginnings, founded by Cheryl Adair, a former special ed teacher's aide at Forsyth Elementary School.  

Adair is now a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Advocate Supervisor, who is very familiar with the foster care program, noting that many youth enter the foster care with their often meager belongings in a plastic trash bag. Her nonprofit, Suitcases for New Beginnings focuses on those youth, providing them with new backpacks, duffle bags or diaper bags filled with essential items and a little bit of comfort as well.

"The Parish Council of Catholic Women at Our Lady of the Ozarks became aware of Suitcases for New Beginnings when one of our members, Donna Covelli, just happened to stop by the Foster Closet Thrift Store one day, just looking for books," explained Barbara Peterson, President of the Parish Council of Catholic Women. "A conversation was started and a seed was sown in Donna's heart. Donna presented the idea to Kathy Strader and Jackie Nieukirk, co-chairs of the service commission for the women's group. They loved the idea and contacted Suitcases for New Beginnings."

Peterson continued, "A list of needed items was provided. Handmade ornaments were made listing a needed item. The handmade ornaments were hung on the tree and parishioners were invited to pick one—or several ornaments and purchase the suggested items."

The response was overwhelming and donations poured in, with church members donating blankets, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotion, dolls, books, stuffed animals and more. All donated items will be placed in backpacks, duffle bags or diaper bags and given to children entering foster care.

"Advent is a time of preparation. It is a time set aside to not only focus on peace, hope, joy and love, but also to put each into practice," noted Peterson. "We thank Cheryl Adair and Suitcases for New Beginnings for the opportunity to share our gifts, knowing the joy and warmth they will bring to a foster child."

For more information on Cheryl Adair's program, Suitcases for New Beginnings, visit https://www.suitcasesfornewbeginnings.org/.