12/15/2008: "Pinecomb Christmas Trees of Love"

by: Amber Bullard Mays

On Saturday, December 6th our small group comprised of Brad and Amber Mays, Kevin and Julie Fuzell, Madelyn Fuzell, and Pete and Nancy Adgate threw a Holiday Party for The Rainbow House located in Clayton County. The mission of Rainbow House consist of providing comprehensive services that restore, heal, and rebuild the lives of children and their families that have been through traumatic experiences such as abuse. The goal of our small group was to provide a fun, stress-free day for the children who reside with in the home. We also wanted to provide some of the daily used items for the home and some of the gifts on the children's wish list.

One of the first activities we did was to make pizzas with the kids. The children had a ball making their own food and a plus was that it allowed the volunteers of the shelter to have a break in the kitchen. We also had a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children were elated to take pictures with Santa and to pass on their wish list. We were able to make Christmas Trees out of pinecones that each child could have their own Christmas Trees in their rooms. The kids had such a great time with the craft and they even made a contest of it to see had the most creative decorations. But the most fun the children had was playing games such as musical chairs, pin the nose on Rudolph, and other games. The children had such a great time, but our group had even more fun getting to know the children and seeing the joy on their faces. We hope that we were able to lift the burdens of some of the children and show the love of Christ.

The group learned of many of the needs of the home and children. Of course funding, household items, and volunteers are always needed, but activities and entertainment is needed for the older children especially. Many of the younger children have family members who volunteer visitation on the weekends, leaving the older children and teenagers at the home. They get bored and un-motivated. This project has set into motion the idea for our group to continually provide items needed and at least quarterly events for the children of Rainbow House. We hope to raise funds for activities and to have local business such as movie theatres, skating rinks, museums and etc. to donate tickets/admission for the children. The group prays to have the support of our church, families, friends and the community to help the children of the home. We want to help reduce the pain of the children of Rainbow House and to show them the love and kindness of our Lord. This project will go on past "40 Days".