A few months ago, I was asked by a fellow foster parent to attend a meeting of a chirstian motorcycle organization. This was a group of men that were willing to think outside the box and help a group of kids some people would rather pretend didn't exist. Maybe in that respect, bikers and foster kids are a lot alike. We know they're there, but we hear a lot of negative things about them, so it's just easier to bury your head in the sand. Act like its not your problem. Act like they're not really people you associate with. The problem is, is thats stinkin' thinkin' to quote Zig Ziglar!! Foster kids are all our problem!! And the Bikers show the true spirit of Christ!
I sat down and had supper with these guys. Folks dressed in leather and had long hair and rode loud bikes. Men that had names like Blue Dog and King; but men that teared up when told about some of the situations these kids come from. Sexual abuse at 3 years old. Physical abuse at 16 months old. Neglect at 8 years old. 10 year olds that are heads of households. These men turned out to be some of the most complassionate people I have ever met. They not only shared tears, but they started a movement in Searcy. A movement to make a difference in the lives of children that may never have really had a family before. Not anyone present. Not anyone that would help them.
Bikers 4 Foster Kids are going to raise money this weekend that will benefit the White County Foster Parents Association. We are a non-profit organization that offers continuing education classes for foster parents in and around our county. We are made up of foster parents, supported by DHS and other local churches in the community. The money raised is used to purchase Christmas gifts and other needed items, like diapers, sports equipment, birthday presents, etc....Sometimes we get foster parents that are brand new and have no idea what to expect. These funds let us provide for the unexpected. Maybe the new foster parents have a bedroom set up with a twin bed, but get a call for a 2 year old. The Foster Parents Association is able to go out and purchase a new toddler bed and bedding. This is win-win, because the child gets a safe home and the foster parents don't have to say to no to a child they can help. The list goes on and on, but the funds raised for the Foster Parents Association go directly to the foster kids. The money helps parents help these kids.
At Christmas time, I get a small group together and we use the money to purchase Christmas gifts for these kids. Last year we had about 90 kids, maybe 6 volunteers for shopping and maybe 15 from the First Baptist Church that helped in sorting and delivering of these presents. When we shop, DHS has a list made out from the kids that include clothing sizes and needs and a wish list. We try to get each kid a complete outfit including a shirt and jeans. Also, a pair of shoes and if the foster parent indicates a need, we also purchase socks, underwear, pajama's, and sometimes a new winter coat. The fun stuff is the toys!! X Box's, PS2's, Barbies, doll babies, board games, and the like. Last year though, we had 2 or 3 kids that just said they wanted to go home. I can't help them there. Only Mom and Dad can make the decision to get help. To stop the abuse. Get set up in drug rehab. Alcohol rehab. Anger Management. Whatever it is; sometimes Mom just chooses the newest Honey and the kids are pushed aside. My Mom works in the county jail and she says sometimes while the parents are in jail, they brag about their kids being in foster care. About how they get visits, but they don't have to work or worry about their kids. They're taken care of. And its not uncommon, that while Mom is "free" of kids, she'll get pregnant again! But thats a different story! (and a different tangent!) My point is, we can't bring Mom and Dad home. But we do try for the best Christmas ever! I hope you will come out and visit us at our booth this Saturday! The White County Foster Parents Association with the Bikers 4 Foster Kids!
Thanks for reading
Lola Philpott
President of the White County Foster Parents Association
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