The local Guardian ad Litem Program hosted the party with help from the church and the Panama City Lions Club. Any children who had been involved in the foster care system were invited.
“Most of them have been through some things in their life and even though it is a happy time of year, a lot of them are away from the homes that they’re used to and the Christmas traditions they’re used to so we’re just thinking about having a good old-fashioned carnival party for them just to have some fun for a day,” said Fred Hapner, Guardian ad Litem director.
They accomplished that mission. The children were treated to hot dogs, cotton candy, crafts and cookie decorating. They jumped in bounce houses, played games and sang karaoke. They ran around the church playground yelling with unbridled joy as children are wont to do.
Similar parties were held in years past by
“The Lions Club tries to help out in places like this where they need a helping hand,” Ayers said.
The Guardian ad Litem program trains volunteers to represent and look out for abused and neglected children in court.
“We are the advocate for the child,” Hapner said.
The program trains new volunteers frequently since, Hapner said, “sadly, child abuse continues on,” and in each new case, the children get their own volunteer.
“It’s all about the kids and making sure that they’re in a good place and that their needs are met,” said Martha Claussen, a volunteer for nine years. “And it just feels good, as a grandmother. I’m a grandmother. I treat all of them as if they’re my grandkids.”
