When you hear about the royal family, are you like me and instantly connect it with British royalty? I recently learned about a Royal Family right here in our neighborhoods.
Royal Family Kids is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that cares about children who have been abused — some in unimaginable ways — by those who were supposed to love them. These are young children who have been removed from their families and placed in foster care, kids who have inner issues most of us can’t even imagine.
Each year at 184 camps throughout the United States, these severely abused youngsters are invited to enjoy a week of camp to learn that they are loved unconditionally by trusted adults, and especially by God. The First United Methodist Church in Crown Point opens its arms to these young kids. Their goal for camp this year is to have 80 hurting kids ages 7 to 12, enjoy a week filled with laughter, love and hugs. The camp will be held the last week of July, and the need for volunteers to contribute their time and talents, as well as financial contributors is a very large.
Every penny raised is used for camp expenses only. Each camp is responsible for its own funding, and the cost for the week’s camp for this year tops $44,000 for lodging, food and the week’s activities for these abused children.
Just so you know, not even the camp directors or main staff are paid. Everyone involved is a volunteer. The Royal Family Kids board is so grateful for the support for these children and asks that your blessings are included.
A week of love and caring for kids in need can’t be measured in dollars. Thank you, members of the United Methodist Church, for spreading your love to these little ones. To contribute or volunteer for the camp, call 219-663-1515, or send a gift to United Methodist Church, 352 Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307. Thanks!
From little ones to the elderly, our region is a blessing.
VNA Home Hospice Program will be giving us the opportunity to take a stroll around town, and enjoy an afternoon picnic. The VNA Stroll for Hospice will take place May 1, with registration beginning at noon, a short program at 1 p.m., and the stroll at 1:15 p.m. It all begins and ends at the Central Park Plaza on Lafayette Street in Valparaiso.
After the stroll, enjoy a picnic in the park. Hamburgers and hot dogs, along with other picnic fare will be your thanks. And Culver’s will be there with your dessert.
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Family activities such as crafts, games and face painting and even a bounce house will be included in the fun. There will also be a D.J. keeping everyone moving with music, music, music. Amidst all the fun, the funds raised will help VNA Hospice continue to provide both patients and their families with compassionate care during a very difficult time. As much fun as it will be for everyone, the gift to those in need of Visiting Nurse Association services and hospice care are the reason to be there.
Register at www.vnanwi.org/latestevents by April 28. The cost to participate is only $10, but if you raise $100 or more, you will receive a memory sign to honor a loved one, which can be placed along the route, and then is yours to keep. For more information, call 219-531-8049. Get your pledge sheet and support the stroll by asking your family, friends, co-workers, doctor, lawyer, neighbor, etc. for a pledge. Awards will be given to the individual and team who raises the most in pledges, as well as to the largest team.
Whether it is for little children or our great-grandparents, everyone needs someone sometime, so make a few phone calls, please. Then I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.