By Tina Justice
March 28, 2008 - 12:00 a.m. EST

Morning Side Assisted Living Center invited the children over for an Easter egg hunt in their courtyard last week. Several of the children were surprised to find that some of the eggs were real. Each child received a gift bag filled with candy and later that evening were treated to a concert by a local church choir. We appreciate the kindness that the residents and staff show our children and their remembering us when they have a special event.

Bible Stories

The children had special guests last week when Dr. and Mrs. George Barton and two of their friends came to visit. We separated the children into two age groups for Dr. Barton to share a Bible story with them. One group heard about the resurrection of Jesus, which helped the children understand why we celebrate Easter. The older children heard the story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life after having been dead for three days. The children asked some very good questions and they were also able to answer most of Dr. Barton’s questions.

Home Visits

Several of our children were able to spend the Easter holiday with their families. Those who received home visits were thrilled to have an extended weekend with family they don’t get to see very often. Just think how wonderful it must have been for them to wake up on Easter morning to celebrate this blessed holiday at home.

Visit to the Zoo

Two of our younger boys that didn’t get a home visit last weekend got to take a very special trip with their houseparents. They spent a fun-filled day at the River Banks Zoo in Columbia. One of the boys fed a giraffe some lettuce that a nice gentleman gave him and the other held a bird on his arm. When asked what the best part of their day was, they answered, “Standing in front of the monkeys’ cage when the monkeys started putting on a show. When one monkey would scream the other one screamed louder and then they chased each other swinging on the branches.” On the way back from the zoo they stopped at Anderson Park to have some fun on the playground. It was their first visit to the park; they said they loved it and look forward to going back soon.

Family Reunification

Last Friday one of our sibling groups was returned to their mom. The children’s mom completed the plan that DSS established after her children came into care last August. We were all so thankful to see the progress these two children made over the short time they were here. We were able to help the young girl with counseling, behavior modification and tutoring to improve her reading skills. We will miss them both and will continue to pray for them during this time of transition. We want to thank one of our tutors, Sheryl Somerville who came almost every weekday to help this young girl with her schoolwork. We appreciate all the time she invested in this young life.

Annual Fashion Show

Last Monday the Cosmopolitan Woman’s Club hosted their annual fashion show and luncheon at Keowee Key Country Club. The proceeds from this wonderful event are donated to Collins Home each year. The afternoon began with a silent auction made possible by local specialty stores, restaurants, salons and grocery stores donating items or gift certificates. Then everyone was served a delicious lunch while enjoying the fashion show presented by Belks. As the models walked among the admiring spectators, Belk Manager David Sayer introduced each of them and described their spring fashions. It was a very special occasion that everyone looks forward to each spring. We are grateful to Kathy Worthington and the ladies of the Cosmopolitan Woman’s Club for continuing to support our ministry.

Recycling for Children

Thank you to everyone who has responded to the recent newspaper article about our recycling program. If you missed the front page coverage a couple of weeks ago, I would like to repeat our request for your newspapers, copy and shredded paper and thin catalogs or magazines that are stapled (no glued spines). Last year we recycled over one million pounds of paper. We also recycle aluminum cans. Our Recycling Manager Joe Rebello is trying to sell enough aluminum cans to offset the rising cost of gas for the recycling truck. Hats off to you, Joe! You are such a blessing to our ministry.

Tina Justice is the Case Manager at Collins Home & Family Ministries. She and her husband Daryl have two children, Kara and Kagan and three foster children. Tina and Daryl were houseparents at Collins Home for three years prior to Daryl accepting another position. They are members of Bounty Land Baptist Church, where they teach Sunday School and are on the Upward Basketball Committee.