PAVE Helping Families Helping Families

Well, the weather has officially changed. Now that Ohio has seen its first snow, many people are preparing for the holiday season. As PAVE coordinator, I am exposed to children and teens on a daily basis. I have noticed that many of the children do not look forward to the holidays like “most” people. The children may not have money, may be a foster child, or just have a bad memory from past holidays. I think it is important that people share the gifts they have with others all the time, but most importantly during the holiday season. The PAVE program has decided to participate in the Families Helping Families program through the Licking County Job and Family Services that buys gifts for needy families, so that parents have something to give to their children on Christmas. I think service learning projects, like gift giving, allow children see how powerful and rewarding giving back to people can be. I am glad that The PAVE club has the chance to participate in the program to share our gifts with some of the people that need the most.

The 2008 holiday season is probably going to be rough on many people. With a very weak economy, very high unemployment rate, or whatever else people might be facing, I encourage those of us that have the ability to make this holiday season better for someone else to do so. You may never know how much of an impact you can have one someone by sending them a card, or just wishing them happy holidays.

For more information on the Families Helping Families program, please contact Job & Family Services at 740-670-8999.

--Ashley Shaw
PAVE Coordinator