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Wednesday, December 18, 2019 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Singing out...
TOY PROJECT: Crafters
create Christmas the
old-fashioned way
Continued from page 3
was shown. Everyone agreed
the project is a <labor of love=
that gets better every year.
<These toys are going
to such a good cause,= said
Sisters woodworker Dennis
Mills. <These kids probably
wouldn9t get any presents if
not for these toys. It hits you
hard in the chest.=
The collaborative effort
began six years ago when
all the woodworkers were
part of COW, until the peo-
ple from Sisters split off and
formed their own group. Now
both groups contribute to the
Christmas effort. The program
got a big boost this year from
Hardwood Industries in Bend
with a donation of 250 board
feet of poplar lumber from
which to craft the toys.
Representatives of each
of the agencies shared stories
of the impact the toys have
on the recipients. Healthy
Families provides family sup-
port services that are aimed at
preventing child abuse. They
build relationships with fami-
lies through weekly visits for
up to three years.
Their representative shared
the story of a family with
three children and mental
health issues, living in a two-
bedroom single-wide mobile
home. Their only heat came
from a small woodstove with
a broken door. Despite being
here legally, the father was
fearful of being deported.
Their transportation was unre-
liable and they were lacking
adequate clothing and food.
Toys and enrichment activi-
ties were beyond their means.
Last Christmas, the young-
est girl received a cradle and
doll, having never had a doll
before. The mother referred to
it as the little girl9s heirloom.
Head Start, whose motto is
<Healthy minds, healthy learn-
ers,= provides free, parent-
driven preschool programs for
low-income children. Head
Start and Early Head Start
offer family-centered services
that enhance social compe-
tence, school readiness, and
overall health and well-being.
There are nine sites in Central
PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD
Woodworkers made First World
War-era biplane models.
PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD
Woodworkers and crafters have engaged in a labor of love to provide for
children in need in the community.
Oregon, and one family from They were frequently moved
each location will be chosen for foster placement and the
planes always moved with
to receive the toys.
Kathy Malone, who volun- them. They have finally found
teers as a CASA for children their forever home in north-
in foster care, talked about east Oregon with their adop-
little Katie who received a tive family.
<We get to take the love
cradle and doll. The doll was
the first thing she would bring you9ve put into the toys and
out every time Malone visited. share it with the children,=
It was the one thing she could Malone told the toymakers.
The afternoon concluded
take with her if she got moved
with a reception including
to a different family.
Two years ago, three hors d9oeuvres, wine, and
brothers in foster care each beer, where woodworkers and
received one of the airplanes. crafters swapped stories.
The Holiday Book Catalog is Here!
PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK
The Johnson Girls performed at the Sisters High School Jazz
Choir’s Holiday Showcase.
WHAT’S A RELAXATION ROOM?
Settle into one of our stress-therapy chairs for
a calming
experience.
Relax,
enjoy!
alm
m i n g celestial
c e l e stial ex
xp e r i e n ce. R
elax, enjo
$20 for one full session or
$30 for two
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Relaxation Room
Saturday & Sunday, Noon to Close
S
Sa
Sisters 5
541-771-0320
320 . Redmond
R d
d 541
541-388-3091
388 3091
Discounts On Everything
In The Catalog!
Books for all ages, games, toys, stuffed
animals, cards and so much more.
252 W. HOOD AVE., SISTERS, OREGON | 541-549-0866
Come celebrate
the so
ou r c e of o our
u r
source
HOPE
Christmas
Ch
i
Carol
C lW
Worship
hi S
Service
i
Sunday, December 22 • 10 a.m.
Holiday Wines
to fit every palate
and every budget.
Order your party platters
now for holiday entertaining!
541-549-2222
635 N. Arrowleaf Trail, Sisters • www.gorays.com
Special Christmas choral music
& Christmas carols
Traditional Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
Tuesday, December 24 • 9 p.m.
Christmas carols, Christmas story
and message with candlelight
All are welcome!
Shepherd of the Hills
Lutheran Church
386 N. Fir St., Sisters • 541-549-5831
www.shepherdofthehillslutheranchurch.com