At Cunningham Children's Home, we love to talk about the successes of our kids. Today, we want to celebrate our friends! We are so grateful for people like you who generously provide for our growing needs, many times in very creative ways. Read more to learn how these Cunningham friends are helping our kids. 

 

Christmas for Kids

The Deborah Circle at First United Methodist Church in Paris, IL held a "Thirty-One" party in April as part of their "Deb Circle- Christmas for Kids" mission. Katie Clement, a Thirty-One consultant who wanted to "pay it forward," suggested the idea to a member of the Deb Circle. Katie and Circle members promoted the party to friends, family and community members. Katie donated all of her party credit for the month and exclusives to the Cunningham mission along with the commission due her from this event. As a result, they raised more than $2,100 in product- bags, wallets, purses, and more to be used as Christmas gifts for our kids. 

 

After the orders were tallied, Katie wrote: "I would like to thank you all for the support and the help to make this fundraiser a huge success. It seriously brought tears to my eyes sorting out it all and reading all the tickets stating 'DONATE TO CUNNINGHAM.' It is truly amazing. This experience will forever have a special place in my heart."

 

Feed the Need to Read

Sophie Happ, a fifth grader from Washington Elementary in Monticello, and her mom, Tina, recently dropped off nearly 400 books for Cunningham. The books came from a book drive-dubbed "Feed the Need to Read" that Sophie organized to help the babies and their families at A Small Hand, a Baby Pantry in Piatt County. Sophie promoted her project by putting up fliers, decorating collection boxes, and speaking to classrooms at each of the three elementary schools in Monticello and White Heath. She collected so many books from the community that she decided to share some of them with Cunningham for use in our schools and residential program. "People have been dropping books off at our house every night," said Tina. "We have a garage full of books." All told, Sophie has collected over 4,000 books for kids. 

 

Thanks to Katie, the United Methodist Women at Paris, Sophie, Tina, and so many others who supported these efforts and to those of you who continue to give to our kids. You are the reason that we can boldly say, "Hope Begins Here!"