“Please tell my ‘Secret Santa’ how grateful I am for their support,” said one of the mothers as she picked up her children’s gifts, “My children are young, and they believe in Santa. They will continue to believe this year because my ‘Secret Santa’ made their Christmas wishes come true.” The happy faces of parents and grandparents warmed the hearts of the Child Advocacy Center staff as they picked up the gifts for their children.
“At this busy time of the year, with all the hustle and bustle and extra-long ‘to do’ lists, the generosity of others never ceases to amaze me,” said Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer, “It is awe-inspiring to know that 175 boys and girls, who just experienced the most difficult year of their lives, will have a joyful Christmas.”
“We are very grateful to the Energy Systems team members,” continued De Boer, “Joey Groveman, Chris White, Ben Hassler, Rory Seagert, Tony Lucear helped all the “Secret Santas” unload their vehicles at the Child Advocacy Center on Friday.”
The Child Advocacy Center works as a multidisciplinary team with the Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute child abuse cases and help children and their families heal from the trauma. In the last 15 years, the Child Protective Investigative Team has investigated over 12,000 child abuse cases, assisted over 16,275 individuals in Rutherford and Cannon Counties, and trained 6,700 parents and grandparents how to protect children from child sexual abuse.
“The Child Advocacy Center truly appreciates all of our ‘Secret Santas’,” said Board President Terry Fann. “They have enriched Christmas for needy families and made a difference in the lives of abused children. We want to thank them for being a blessing to others and wish them a joyful holiday.”
For information on how you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of abused children, contact the Child Advocacy Center. In Rutherford County contact Jessica Wauchek at (615) 867-9000, and in Cannon County contact Amanda Pruitt at (615) 563-9915.
