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Foster kids receive festive evening Medford church and national ministry make sure jail inmates' children receive gifts, along with singing and the "Christmas Story" By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune Since coming to Eileen Sowell's home as a foster child, 12-year-old Sarah has learned to crochet. For her brother - also in foster care - she crocheted a red- and green-striped Christmas stocking. She crocheted her father an afghan, but can't give him the gift because it's not allowed past jail security. But her father was able to give her a Christmas present this year through a Medford church group. Through Angel Tree ministry, a national fellowship, members of First Baptist Church and students at Grace Christian School purchased gifts for more than 40 local children whose parents are in jail. Inmates sign up with jail chaplains for the program that earns each child one gift they want and one they need. The gift-giving topped off a Saturday evening of feasting, singing and listening to the "Christmas Story" for the kids and their caregivers at Roxy Ann Grange. Other groups around the country may drop gifts off at a child's foster home, but event organizer Betty Durbin said she feels that interacting with the kids is the best gift. So 12 sponsor families from local churches "adopted" the kids for the evening. "We feel these children probably need their esteem built with more than a present one time a year," she said. The Durbins continue giving throughout the year as they visit each child at his or her caregiver's home with a plate of goodies or any other item the kids may need. They also encourage the kids to get involved in youth activities or sports, Durbin said. Thirteen-year-old Larissa has spent the past four Christmases in foster care. This year is no different except that she most likely is with her new family to stay, said Sowell, her foster grandmother. Larissa, Sarah, 13-year-old Amy and 12-year-old Kara will most likely live with the Sowells until they are 18, Sowell said. Saturday was the family's first time attending the Angel Tree party. Sowell had one child eligible to receive gifts but said she had to bring all the girls if she brought one. Durbin told her all the girls would have a present, which they took home to open on Christmas morning. Prisoners usually don't get gifts in jail. But those who participate in Angel Tree receive a photo of their children with their gifts, if family members approve. The children also receive a photo commemorating the evening. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.