Hundreds of good-hearted businesspeople and supporters showed up in force during the holidays to wrap presents for the Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley in St. Lucy’s church basement.
FKMV founder and President Larry Giordano, along with his wife Eileen and several members of the group, enlist the aid of volunteers who diligently wrap piles of presents for local foster children. The kids participating in this program are ages birth to 14 years old and are under the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in the Merrimack Valley.
This is FKMV’s 20th year of supporting foster children. (See our story on the Giordanos’ reflection on this momentous anniversary at MethuenLife.com.) Find out more about the nonprofit at fosterkidsmv.org.
Volunteer Denise Tournas of Methuen said, “I have been doing this for three years. I have a friend who is a foster parent and (I) enjoy the smiles on children’s faces at Christmas.”
In between cutting, folding and taping, Earlene Daigneault of Methuen said, “We have been volunteering our time for four years here because it gets us in the Christmas spirit.”
Her husband Paul whole-heartedly agreed.
The basement of the church was abuzz with wrapping and spirited chatter, as volunteers know they are helping to give children a reason to smile on Christmas morning.
Paul and Earlene Daigneault agree that FKMV’s wrapping party, and knowing they’re helping kids have a merry Christmas, puts them in the Christmas spirit!
Leslie Martinez from the Grieving Youth and Families group and FKMV board member Brad Gosselin gather the wrapped gifts in preparation for distribution.
Methuen resident Denise Tournas enjoys pitching in, knowing her efforts will bring joy to foster kids and those who care for them.
