formerly St. Joseph Orphanage (855) 577-PATH (7284)
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Early Christmas celebration shows foster kids they have a family, too!

December 4, 2015

Article via WCPO
Picture by MATT CITAK | WCPO

DELHI TWP., Ohio — If the holidays are a time for family, many kids in the Tri-State can feel left out.

St. Joseph Orphanage and Shiloh United Methodist Church teamed up Wednesday night to make sure that didn’t happen.

Foster children got together with their foster families for an evening of Santa and songs, games and toys. And food — what would a family Christmas be without the food?

Mostly, though, it was just a chance for kids to be kids.

“We’re just trying to bless the kids in this community in a huge way,” pastor Dave Hood said.

Watching the kids grow up is a blessing too, said foster care manager Christa Spurling.

“Having a foster child in your life is an incredible gift. It’s a wonderful experience, and the children need a lot of love and attention, and just to have a good time to forget about their worries,” she said.

St. Joseph holds the event every year, but Wednesday was its first time at Shiloh. Hood said kids were Jesus’ favorite people, so he wants them to be the church’s favorite people, too.

“When you know that you’re doing something to make someone else’s life better, for these kids, it gives them hope,” foster parent Pat Burley said.

Watch the video by clicking on the video below to see Wednesday night’s celebration.