SIUE Head Start Children Receive Gifts of Toys Just in Time for Christmas
The Gateway Chapter of The Links gave Christmas gifts of dolls, balls, books, blocks and more to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start children on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Approximately 60 toys were delivered to the Discovery Center for Little Scholars at the SIUE East St. Louis Center.
“Every year we have a huge party at the Ritz Carlton. This year, I said that we should forgo a party in lieu of donating the money to others,” said Jo Anne Parks, president of the Gateway Chapter of The Links, which is made up members from the bi-state region.
The international woman’s organization is committed “to education, civic and cultural activities in the arts, services to youth, health and human services, national trends and services, and international trends and services. Through these program facets, the organization is involved in efforts to enhance the lives of peoples of African descent.”
The local group selected three organizations that they had worked with previously and asked them what they wanted this holiday season, according to Rose Coleman, Gateway Chapter of The Links program chair.
“Receiving these gifts for our children was such a surprise,” said Heidi Eichenseer, center coordinator of the Discovery Center for Little Scholars. “It was so nice of the Gateway Chapter of The Links. Now all of our children can go home with an extra special gift for Christmas that shows that there are elves, Santa helpers, all around us.” The Discovery Center serves 58 children, from six weeks to 5 years.
“It was a blessing for us to be able to share with our children,” said Peggy LeCompte, Gateway Chapter of The Links parliamentarian. “I was pleased to see the smiles on their faces. That is the true meaning of Christmas.”
Photos:
Taking a look at some of the Christmas gifts are two-year-old Amon Hall, (left) and four-year-old Zuri Amenra (right).
L-R: Rose Coleman, Gateway Chapter of The Links program chair; Heidi Eichenseer, center coordinator of The Discovery Center for Little Scholars; Jo Anne Parks, Gateway Chapter of The Links president; and Peggy LeCompte, Gateway Chapter of The Links parliamentarian.
