Thanks to the generosity of two women who reside in Florida during the winters, and call the High Country home in the summer, The Children’s Wish List was created to help meet some of the unexpected needs surrogate parents face on a daily basis. Check out the video below to see assortment of the differences we are making in our kids’ lives and then read on to find out more about this program.
Currently in North Carolina alone it is estimated that 225,493 children are being raised by their grandparents or other relatives. A large number of those children are here in the High Country.
Many grandparents are not prepared — financially, emotionally, physically and in some cases, mentally — for the added responsibilities required for their role of kinship caregiver.
Many of these grandparents, ranging in age from 35-80, cannot afford the basic necessities that these children require, not to mention all the extras that most children desire, such as cell phones, laptops, and more.
Through The Children’s Wish List, generous donations have helped greatly to ease their heavy load with the purchase of clothing items, sports uniforms and equipment, school supplies, Christmas and birthday gifts, prom dresses and so much more. Opportunities have been provided that include attending and participating in various cultural arts events, such as OZ at Lees McRae College, Children’s Summer Theatre at Appalachian State University; registration fees have been paid for dance classes, martial arts instruction and school field trips, both far and near. And the “list” goes on.
Without the help of women like Joan Benbasat and Rebecca Scialpi, who give of their time, talent and skills to help our families, The Children’s Wish List would not be fulfilled. We hope that you will join these women in their efforts to continue meeting the needs of the families we serve.
Recent Wishes Fulfilled
“Newsies”
Last summer, as has become a tradition, two special volunteers took our families to the Lees-McRae Theatre production of “Newsies.” This was a fantastic experience for our families! Thank you Joan Benbasat and Rebecca Scialpi!
“Snowbelles”
Twenty-five families attended “Snowbelles” at Appalachian Theatre, kids and adults alike enjoyed the Holiday performance. Thank you Karyn Kennedy-Herterich for making this possible!
Your tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated and may be sent to High Country Caregivers, POB 3356 Boone NC 28607.