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Click Here 42 °F Forecast | Road Cams Saturday, January 31, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend December 16, 2003 Gifts will help ease their pain EDITOR’S NOTE: "Light One Candle" is the Mail Tribune’s annual feature that focuses on the single need of a person, family or agency during the holidays. By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune The physical abuse has stopped, but for four Medford children, a painful path to healing remains. The children, who range in age from 6 to 15, were removed from their parents’ custody recently. Both mother and father likely will face legal action for their treatment of the children. In the meantime, custody of the kids has been awarded to their grandmother. Although she loves having the children, it’s a sudden adjustment, says Jackie Ralph, volunteer coordinator for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Medford. Advertisement "It’s a lot for a grandmother to take on," Ralph notes. It’s especially difficult now, during the holidays. The grandmother lives on a fixed income and is worried about providing presents for the kids. After they’ve endured so much turmoil, they shouldn’t have to sacrifice Christmas, too, she says. The Children’s Advocacy Center provides some small gifts for each of its young clients, Ralph says. Last year, the center served nearly 570 victims of physical or sexual abuse. The center offers a warm, structured place where kids can talk to police and counselors, get medical examinations and receive other help. But the center’s resources are stretched as well. This holiday season, gifts for these four children would ease the pain of the family chaos. The youngest girl, age 6, likes baby dolls and holding tea parties. The 9-year-old boy likes playing with toy cars and trucks. The two older girls, ages 13 and 15, like typical teen things: music, makeup, movie passes, fast-food gift certificates. Donations may be dropped off at the Children’s Advocacy Center, 816 W. 10th St., Medford, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or call 734-5437 to make arrangements. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times