Greenville Jaycees bring smiles to young faces

For years, the Greenville Jaycees have teamed up with the Butler County Department of Human Resources to brighten Christmas for the children in the County's Foster Child Program.

This year was no exception, and, as Club President William Watson predicted, it was a great success. "This is our primary project for the year, and it is really heart-warming to see all

those young smiling faces," Watson said.

Our primary function is to get a few of the things the children want, and purchase the gifts for them," he said.

This year, the number of children was down slightly from last year, said Susan Sorrells, supervisor of the foster child program at DHR. "We have 31 children this year, compared to the 40 that we had last year," she said. "This year, we have more children placed in homes outside of Butler County, due to special needs.

"We are also fortunate in that several children have been adopted this year," Sorrells said.

"This project was actually a combined effort," said Watson. "The Camellia City Junior Women's Club helped tremendously by doing the shopping and wrapping of the gifts."

Sorrells said the program has seen many improvements over the past few years. "We are now able to do more to try and keep children in their own home. The program has improved financially, which allows us to do more," she said.

The 31 children were treated to snacks and pizza, and then the highlight of the program, which was the cause of many a teary eye came when Santa Claus gave out gifts to all the children.

Not just any gifts, real gifts. Gameboys, Nintendo's, bicycles, etc.

"Over the years, I have come to know these children especially well," said Santa.