Whoville-themed Christmas event hosted for more than 200 foster children and families
A dedicated group of volunteers Volunteers who helped with the 2021 Ozark, Douglas and Wright Counties foster care Christmas event were from left, back row: Susan Landers, Destiney Hutseel, Jessica Shannon, Stacey Mathews, Candace Mayberry (dressed as Cindy Lou Who), Stacy Garrison (dressed as the Grinch), Brianne Bryson, Jody Ford, Dina Algarva, Kathy Oetting, Kayla Premer, Tamara Collins, and Jennifer Heidi. Front row: Kelly Turner, Kendra Ritchie, Crystal Bender, Santa Claus, Melanie Hanger. Mrs. Claus and Amanda Shannon. All volunteers pictured, other than Santa and Mrs. Claus, Mayberry and Garrison, are Division of Family Service Children’s Division employees.
Hot cocoa bomb station The event featured several fun stations, including this sweet “Grinchmas” station where foster families picked up hot cocoa bombs. The “bombs” are made of powdered hot cocoa mix covered in chocolate. When the hot cocoa bomb is placed in a mug and covered with hot water or milk, the outer chocolate shell melts, releasing the cocoa for mixing and enjoying.
More than 200 foster children and their foster families from Ozark, Douglas and Wright Counties attended the annual foster care Christmas event Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Ava Assembly of God Church.
This year’s walk-through Christmas event was themed after Whoville, the town in which all the who-people live in the beloved Dr. Suess book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
“A huge shout out to all who have given their time, money, gifts, talents and prayers for the Annual Foster Christmas event,” said Gainesville resident Stacy Garrison, who volunteers to help organize the event each year. “There is truly no way to thank everyone, but I want to give the biggest shout out to Candace Mayberry and Kayla Premer. Their love for these kids and this event inspire me every year!”
Garrison said this year’s walk-through event was possible thanks to the creativity of two special artists, Squires resident Sherri Doane and Gainesville resident Onnica Hutchings, who helped develop the theme and vision for the event.
Foster families visited various Grinch-themed stations where they picked up gifts and treats or participated in activities. Garrison said this year’s event included hot cocoa bombs, make-your-own Christmas ornament station, written messages from staff, a station where families could watch The Grinch movie while eating popcorn and other treats, a picture with Santa and the Grinch, a faux snowball fighting station, a gift bag for the whole family, as well as a dinner of smoked chicken and pork sandwiches, a dozen cookies, a pie and a bag full of Christmas gifts.
“To all who have donated, given and served - thank you! This event is my favorite of the year, and I am so thankful to be a part of it. It truly takes a village,” Garrison said. “Candace [Mayberry] impressed me when I’ve worked with her as a children’s division workers, but this year she did it all.”
Garrison said she had to step back this year as she was helping a sick family member, but it wasn’t a problem because many other volunteers stepped up to help.
Those who would like to help with next year’s event can contact Garrison at 417-683-8706.