Fill those tables

To the Editor,

We all (well, almost all of us) love little children. We can be mesmerized by their little personalities, their imaginations and attempts at saying words in the cutest of ways. 

But, what do we see in our mind’s eye when we think about an eight-year-old or a 15-year-old?  What memory or most comical impression of a teen, who is not necessarily in our family, do we think back on?    

Here are a few stats in the world of foster care for adoption in the United States. A website article “Kids Count Data Center, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation” dated November 18, 2021 indicates trends for 2019 by race and ethnicity have been steady in recent years, as well as ages essentially being unchanged for a decade.  Only 3 percent older youth ages 16 -20 transition into a “forever home.”  And 56 percent are from birth to 5 years of age.  

We have an amazing community that has stepped up to the plate when there’s been a need. 

And, now at Christmas-time, having a computer game for a boy or girl, a new shirt and jeans, socks, underwear, a new purse with some lip balm or perfume may be one of the few “greatest” things a young teen can imagine having under a tree. And they may not even have a tree, but gifts can show up no matter what.   

This morning I saw on Fox Carolina’s Morning News that the Salvation Army has table upon table, gifts for infants, toddlers, and many little boys and girls. 

There was empty table upon empty table with literally no gifts for teen boys and girls.   

They have a wonderful “Angel Tree” Adoption event during Christmas.  Those who want to give, select Angels, (see locations below), purchase gifts, and take them, unwrapped, to the Angel Tree. 

There will be a deadline on each tag you select. 

Please reach deep down in your heart, especially after the Christmas our country experienced last year, and help fill those tables at the Centers that are empty.  

According to Matthew, we are to give with the right attitude and motivation. 

Giving to a child in need at Christmas with the right attitude and motivation is one way to reach with the right attitude and motivation.  Here’s hoping that giving blesses you in many small ways throughout the Christmas Holiday.

The Salvation Army Stores in Taylors and Greer will take your Angel Tree gifts. Just be sure to label it for the Angel Tree Adoption gift.

Greenville Kroc Center Nov. 1 - Dec. 8 (During normal business hours) 424 Westfield St, Greenville, SC 29601

The Greenville Convention Center Dec. 1 - Dec. 9 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) 1 Exposition Dr, Greenville, SC 29607

S.L. Reider
Taylors