Adopt-A-Child

Program provides surprises for Heartspring students

The Adopt-A-Child Program at Heartspring began more than ten years ago, thanks to the caring support of members of two very special philanthropic organizations, the Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) and Sigma Alpha Sorority. Both of these groups have a long history of outstanding commitment to the children of Heartspring. Through the Adopt-A-Child Program, these organizations are able to have a personal impact on the lives of individual students who attend the Heartspring School. This program is an essential part of our goal of making Heartspring ‘a home away from home’ for our students.

Participating chapters from the two sororities “adopt” one or two students and over the course of the year the members send cards and gifts to their students. Each chapter is given a profile on their assigned student that includes his or her birthday and a list of items they enjoy. Each year the students receive a wonderful array of gifts from computer software, music, DVDs, decorative bedding, stuffed animals, clothes and snacks. The program brings joy to the children. William, a student at Heartspring, gladly reported to his teacher, "I was so happy when I got a new Playstation game from my friends in the sorority.”

One of the goals for this program is to be an added resource for the families of the children attending school here. “I want to thank everyone who is part of this program,” says Patty Gaffney, whose son is a residential student at Heartspring.

“I can't tell you how wonderful the ladies are to help my son and all the children at Heartspring. As a parent who is struggling to get the things he needs, what they have done means the world to me and to him. God bless you all.”

Kim Kummer, 2nd Vice President of The Kansas State Council of ESA is happy to support this program. “It is a wonderful opportunity to feel a bit more connected to Heartspring. We love receiving photos of our Adopt-A-Child when he opens his gifts. The smiles and excited faces can melt your heart,” she said. “I had the opportunity to visit with our child’s mother at prom last year. It was such a rewarding feeling to see the look of joy and appreciation from this mom due to the small extra effort we make each month to make contact with her son.”

“Heartspring truly touches my heart,” said Allene “Sam” Curtiss of Sigma Alpha. “When the opportunity to adopt a child was presented we jumped at the chance to participate. We decided to call ourselves the Zeta Psi Grammies since most of us are grandmothers. Since 2003 we have adopted five beautiful children, usually two at a time. We send little presents and gift cards for special occasions. The thank you notes and pictures we have received in return are treasured.”

Juli Kelley, Vice President of Sigma Alpha Sorority, tells about her chapter’s commitment to the students at Heartspring. "My chapter, Theta Gamma, has participated in the Adopt-A-Child program from the beginning. Every member of my chapter participates. We team up and go shopping for our child's wants and needs. We really enjoy receiving the letters and photos of our adopted children when they receive our gifts. Theta Gamma feels that our participation gives us a more personal connection with the children at Heartspring."

Heartspring is pleased to be able to offer this special benefit to all of our students. As seen on their faces, the gifts and cards received through this program bring an added bright spot to their day. To see that a child has a desire fulfilled or a need met is the only outcome required to measure the success of this program.

Published March 2009