Mercy Hospital Paris co-workers recently collected items such as personal hygiene products, clothing and nonperishable food to help support local children in foster care. The items were donated to Annie’s House of Hope, which is a waiting space and recreation center provided by Logan County for use by The Call and the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services.
The space is maintained by a small army of passionate volunteers led by Leslie Maddox, the rural community health and access liaison for Mercy Fort Smith. The facility, located in Paris, Ark., is used by The Call and DCFS workers as a waiting space for children transitioning into foster care. It has a kitchen and dining area, infant and toddler room, teen room, a superhero themed playroom, and a fun barnyard bathroom complete with a trough bathtub. DCFS social workers can bathe, clothe and feed kids while waiting for placement. The fun, inviting space is designed to relieve some of the stress and trauma these children experience. The space is available to all DCFS workers, and several counties use the facility for court ordered supervised visitation with parents and other family members. The needs are met through donations to the center. Several churches, organizations and individuals provide necessary support as needed on a rotating basis.
Thanks to everyone who brought in items to support this worthwhile cause; your efforts will truly make a difference for these kids and families.