By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

The Chilton County Department of Human Resources office was able to provide gifts for 105 foster children on Christmas of 2016.

During DHR’s Christmas Wishes for Foster Children program, donations came in from individuals, churches, businesses and organizations in the community to provide for the wishes of these children.

“The community has always stepped up,” Director Marilyn Colson said. “It’s just tremendous support and I really appreciate it.”

Some groups bought gifts directly for the children and some gave money to help purchase items. According to Colson, all leftover funds are used for the needs of foster children throughout the year, such as clothing needs, medical expenses not covered by Medicaid and other necessities.

Colson praised the work of her staff at DHR during the year.

“They work so hard and the jobs they do are so hard, “ Colson said. “At Christmas we find out the community really cares about what we do; they really care about the children we’re working with.”

The next major fundraiser at DHR will be for back-to-school supplies. There are many other ways to help by volunteering.

Colson said people could help by serving on the quality assurance committee, where they would review cases according to federal protocol and make common sense suggestions.

Volunteers can also be trained to work with foster children in transporting them and their families to medical appointments.

The greatest need, according to Colson, is for more foster parents.

“There is no greater mission than that,” Colson said. “We are always seeking to have enough foster homes to match children with homes in the community where they already go to school.”

To find out more about volunteering opportunities at DHR, call 205-280-2000. Volunteers who work with foster children in any of the mentioned capacities must be screened and trained first.