The joy of giving

Children in the First Baptist Church Kids' KORE group, for those in preschool through fifth grade, took on a special project this year as a way to donate toys to the annual Vernon County Ambulance District employees toy drive. Using pre-made, unstuffed fabric bodies, the children stuffed and closed their creations, adding a heart to each one and a prayer for each recipient.

Here's an account of the process in rhyme, submitted by Jeanette Hawkins, a youth minister at the First Baptist Church.

Children in preschool through fifth grade wrapped up their club year by stuffing animals for Vernon County Ambulance District employee's toy drive. EMT's Sonja Tumm and Justin Hueston from the Vernon County Ambulance barn joined the children in stuffing monkeys, poodles, penguins, dogs and cats.

"Just weeks before Christmas and through the church halls,

Every child was stirring and climbing the walls.

The animals and stuffing were laid out with care,

In hopes that the EMTs soon would be there.

They chose their own breed and a big bunch of fluff,

Then returned to their spot where they would then stuff.

Before zipping up the creation they made,

A heart that was prayed over would inside be placed.

Prayers for warmth and love quietly spoken,

For whoever received this sweet little token.

Then out in the hallway there appeared two new faces,

We knew they were EMT's from their helpful gazes.

They jumped in to help us finish up with our dolls,

So they could get back just in case they were called.

We helped them to fill their bags with new toys,

They would soon give to deserving girls and boys.

Then what to our wondering eyes should appear,

But a red and white sleigh with lights front and rear.

The EMT's climbed aboard with great cheer,

Molly Clark helps Spencer Hawkins, Colson Fisher & Konnor Ast as they finish up their animals for the Toy Drive.

And said, 'Thank you kids!' You helped out this year!'"