Megan Cardinal
Regional Coordinator, NW
203-574-0365 or mcardinal@covenanttocare.org

By Megan Cardinal

Well we’ve made it through the long cold winter and I think everyone is excited to see the robins bobbing around and the tiniest of buds springing from bare trees and plants.  Spring signifies new beginnings and the end of hardship for many families trying to cover heating cost to keep warm.  Unfortunately spring doesn’t solve all challenges for families in need.  Spring is a time to start clean and feel rejuvenated.  Kicking off the season is April which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Covenant to Care for Children is embracing this fully and will be participating in and promoting many events statewide to put an end to child abuse. 

It seems like springtime is also bringing out the creativity in people because lately many of the volunteers in my region have been asking…what else can we do?  While there is always a need for emergency items like, clothing, food and basic essentials the Adopt a Social Worker program also offers enrichment projects that are fun for the giver and the receiver.  Please see below for some fun activities to participate in while helping children in need.  While all of these projects will help a family many of them are truly special because they celebrate the child for just being a child no strings attached.  You do not need to be part of a congregation to participate.  You can do these projects with your family, your friends, your child’s school class, or at local business.

Fun/Family Play Packs:   Help Children enjoy the out doors and get exercise with balls, chalk, Frisbees, jump ropes, kites and sports items.  Help bring a family together with cards, board games, jewelry or model making kits and other activities they can do together.

Baby Showers:  Hold a shower where guest bring the gifts normally given to mothers-to-be.  These gifts are collected by social workers and given to new mothers.  This is a great excuse to have a party while helping a needy family at the same time.

Movie, Museum or Park Passes:  This allows a family to share an entertaining/educational experience. 

Spring Cleaning: Consider providing a family in need with cleaning supplies.  Families are often forced to choose between food and the products needed to keep their homes clean. 

Birthday Gifts and Party Supplies: Small gifts of universal appeal (games, puzzles, art supplies, etc.) would help a social worker reach out to the children on his/her caseload by acknowledging their special days.  Birthday party bags may be assembled containing cake mix, frosting, candles, hats and favors.  Covenant to Care for Children hears many stories of children in their teens who never had a birthday present or party!  A gift supplied for a social worker might be the only package that some children receive.

Pajama Party:  Provide fun pajamas with the child’s favorite cartoon character and include a small stuffed animal to help bedtime become a little more fun.  This is a favorite of many bible school classes to participate in. 

                To all the current volunteers, social workers, and pastors, rabbis etc... thank you for your dedication, your time and your faith in bettering the lives of Connecticut’s children.  Your work over the last year has touched the lives of thousands. 

Please consider becoming a volunteer for Covenant to Care for Children or learning more about the needs in your community.  Many children are counting on you.

For more information contact Megan Cardinal at 203-574-0365 or email mcardinal@covenanttocare.org .