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Foster parent group seeks gifts for children

By Les Zaitz
The Enterprise
The 5-year-old girl in foster care would like for Christmas a stuffed dog and “dress up” shoes.
A 2-year-old boy, “such a happy little guy” who likes trucks and animals, wants building toys from Santa.
And a 17-year-old boy has a practical holiday wish list – sports pants, sweatshirts and a jacket.
They are among the 179 local children facing holidays in the care of someone other than their parents.
And once again the local Foster and Adoptive Parents Association is working to ensure each child gets something for Christmas.
“Many live with uncertainty as to what this Christmas holds for them,” wrote Janeille Bennett of Vale, president of the association, in a letter seeking $75 sponsorships for the children.
So far, Bennett said, 87 children have been covered.
As of last week, “We have 92 wish lists left to fill.”
The wish lists for the children are available through Bennett, who can be reached at 541-212-0829.
Examples of those wish lists illustrate the deep need.
The 2-year-old needs learning toys and boots. He “loves all of the colors,” his foster parent wrote on his wish list.
As for the 5-year-old girl, “She has gloves and snow pants but not boots,” according to the wish list.
Bennett said gifts for the children need to be dropped off by Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the state Department of Human Services office in Ontario at 186 East Lane.
Those who want to sponsor a child can make out a $75 check to the Foster and Adoptive Parents Association and mail it to: DHS/Cecilia, 186 East Lane #3, Ontario OR 97914.
The association will hold its annual party for foster children and their parents on Sunday, Dec. 17. Among volunteers helping with the party will be the Vale High School girls basketball team.