Make a resolution to help Kinship Partners

This is a special time of the year.

Our best and most attended activity at Kinship is the Christmas party for all of the children in the program. On Dec. 11 the Kinship office was filled with laughter, music and smiling faces. We hosted a party for 65 children, 41 adult partners and/or parents and 28 volunteers.

There were 10 different stations, including decorating cookies, picture taking, face painting, bingo, musical stuffed animals, making a Christmas card and "making a wish" from handprints. The hand print wish was so touching. A number of the kids wished, of course, for Legos, sewing machine and a variety of other things.

What astounded the staff at Kinship were the "wishes" that did not include toys. Here are a few quotes, "I wish for a better Christmas for my family," "I wish for a new house," "I wish for all kids to be loved and cared for," "I wish for world peace" and "I wish for my mom and dad to love each other and not fight."

All these children are waiting for an adult partner. In fact, there are 59 on our list. Wouldn't it be a miracle if 59 individuals would step forward and become a partner to these kids so that not one child would be waiting?

We ask you to make a New Year's resolution to take the time to become a friend, a mentor. Please do not just "think about it." Call Kinship Partners this week and set up an appointment to start the process. The number at Brainerd is (218) 829-4606, Pequot Lakes (218) 568-4015 or our toll free number 1-877-730-kids (5437). Our Web site is www.kinship.brainerd.com.