GBES kids share the gifts
BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Children wait to load their age- and gender-appropriate gifts, which they wrapped, into the truck taking them to the Foster Children's Christmas party.

"Kids helping kids" was the theme as several classes at Gulf Breeze Elementary School presented wrapped gifts to volunteers hosting a party for the area's foster children.

Previously sponsored by State Farm, the party is a tradition for foster children and their families. Pandora de Balthazar spearheaded this year's effort and hopes to get the community involved in supporting foster families.

"It's a little miracle," de Bathazar said, "individuals connecting with the kids and parents that have daily needs."

The gifts, sorted by age and gender, will be presented to children at the party on Dec. 1.

Now, the critical need is for gifts for the foster children to present to their foster parents, gifts they earn by playing games or completing tasks in exchange for "Santa dollars."

"We need 680 mom and dad gifts, minimum," de Balthazar said. She hopes to get gifts such as overnight stays at hotels or condominiums to support the foster families who take care of the area's abused or neglected children day after day.

After the assembly, children brought their wrapped packages to place on a truck bound for the Foster Children's Christmas Party.

Gifts for foster parents, and door prizes for the party, can be donated at de Balthazar's business, Antique European Linens, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 9 S. Ninth Ave. in Pensacola or her warehouse, 698 E. Heinberg St. in Pensacola, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"We will accept gifts or money. Nothing will go to waste," de Balthazar said.

The party is part of a five point plan:

Recruit more foster families.

Support the existing foster families.

Get more dental care providers willing to accept Medicaid (currently only one dentist in the four county area will accept Medicaid patients).

Support older children who have "aged-out" of foster care.

Educate the public to prevent the "epidemic" of abused and neglected children.

De Balthazar said 9,941 calls were made to report abused or neglected children in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties in 2006.

The festivities were enhanced by a live Christmas Tree, Santa Claus and Pandora de Balthazar who look on as fifth grade teacher Mike Rodgerson speaks to the students.

Linda Roush from Families First Network said her organization is funded below the state average.

De Balthazar says that the need is great throughout the year, and she hopes programs can teach parenting skills to those who need it, to stop the cycle of abuse and neglect.
Can you donate?
Community leaders are
looking for donations of gifts
for the foster children to
earn to give to their foster
parents at the party
Saturday, Dec. 1.
Items can be dropped off at
Antique European Linens
9 S. Ninth Ave.
Pensacola
or the
Antique European Linen
Warehouse
698 E. Heinberg St.
Pensacola
For details, call 432-4777.