Paper Route Helps the Homeless Story by Amy Schneider Did you ever have a paper route when you were a kid? Remember those cold, dark, winter mornings when the last thing you wanted to do was deliver papers? The children of Classroom 206 understand how you felt. This winter, these 12 boys delivered newspapers to homes around Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home. Their initial goal was to raise money for classroom activities or field trips. But something happened on their paper route to change that. While delivering papers, the children would often see homeless people sleeping outside and trying to stay warm. But these kids didn't just see a person without a home. They saw themselves or family members in these strangers. At some point in their young lives, many of these young boys have been homeless and they remembered what it felt like to be cold, hungry and without a place to call home. So they decided they could do something to help. Instead of spending their hard-earned money to buy something for the classroom, these kids decided to donate it to help build homes for people who need them - to Habitat for Humanity. But they didn't stop there. The boys decided to raise more money for Habitat. They sold coffee one morning for donations and also asked the staff at Tennyson Center to make contributions to support their effort. The kids raised $400 for Habitat for Humanity and on Friday, March 11 made a formal presentation of their contribution to representatives from Habitat. "I'm so proud of these boys," said 206 teacher, John Gladbach. He added that these are boys who have all had to face emotional challenges and difficulties. To see them give back to the community to help others is a credit to how far these boys have come in their own healing. Eleven-year-old Manuel was just one of the boys who helped raise the money for Habitat. When asked how it felt to know that the money would help others, Manuel said, "It feels pretty good. I'm glad we gave them the money." What began as a paper route turned into an opportunity for children at Tennyson Center to reach out to help our community. This kind of act would have been difficult for many of these boys just a few months ago. To give and share with others takes self-confidence and a belief in your own value. We are proud of how far these boys have come and proud that they believe they have something good to share with others in our community. Amy Schneider is the Annual Giving Coordinator at Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home. How are the Children? Child Abuse Prevention Month's exciting calendar of events that provided education and information for everyone with many providing good times and self-esteem building activities for the children we serve. Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home sponsors the www.tennysoncenter.org and www.childabuse.org websites. March 27 What Fun! What dynamic duo together stand well over 13 feet in height, sport terrific smiles and can leap tall guards with a single bound? The answer is Chris Andersen and Savovic Predrag, stars with the NBA's Denver Nuggets professional basketball team. Both players took time out from their busy playing schedules to spend time with the at-risk children receiving love, care, therapy and treatment at the Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home. Both Chris and Savo shared a bit about themselves with the kids and then provided a mini-clinic quickly showing the kids some of the finer points of lay-up and free throw shooting. Afterwards Chris and Savo signed autographs for the kids and happily participated in an old fashion ice cream social. Special thanks to Colleen, Tommy and Doug of the Nuggets organization for their assistance with this terrific event for the kids. April 2 Never Sell Yourself Short KCNC-TV4 News Anchor, Stephanie Riggs, and friend Kendra presented the "Never Sell Yourself Short" program and video. Big smiles and rapt attention told us the kids enjoyed the presentation and learned from it, too. Stephanie is a special friend to our organization having participated in our "Chopper Travaglini Memorial Golf Tournament and helping to raise awareness of our organization and the work done here on behalf of children and families. Great job Stephanie and Kendra! April 8 4th Annual Colorado Care Management Luncheon Business and foundation leaders, legislators and leaders in the child protection field joined together to hear Jim Bradburn, Principal, with Fentress Bradburn Architects. The event provided opportunity for those attended to learn how business leaders, policy makers, and child welfare professionals worked together on behalf of abused and neglected children. April 12 Nite at the Nuggets Getting the word out about child abuse and neglect is important. That's why we're especially gratified that the Denver Nuggets are helping us to do so. On Saturday April 12, the Nuggets played the L.A. Clippers at Denver's Pepsi Center at 7 p.m. At the game, the Tennyson Center kids, volunteers and staff members handed out "Kids are Special" lollipops to fans. The lollipops included a wallet card with child abuse statistics and our web site address where those interested can learn more about getting involved to end child abuse and neglect. The Nuggets have also invited Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home to show its public service announcement on their giant Pepsi Center jumbo screens. Any way you look at it, a lot of basketball fans had a great time April 12, and learned more about child abuse and neglect. April 12 XM Radio XM Satellite Radio listeners tuned into setting 169 for Kristance Coates' "Home Alone" program. Tennyson Center for Children Clinical Director, Jan James was her guest on Saturday, April 12, at 2:00 p.m. (MST). Child abuse and neglect issues was discussed. April 13, 20 WB2's AM Sunday Program Denver's KWGN-TV2 (WB2) on Sunday April 13, and 20 aired Tennyson Center for Children Executive Director, Bob Cooper. Child abuse and neglect issues was discussed. Program time was at 8:00 a.m. April 20 KIMN Radio KIMN Radio, "The Mix" (100.3FM) News Director, Chuck Clark, interviewed Nicholson, Spencer& Associates (NS&A;) Director, Bunny Nicholson. NS&A; is a division of Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home. Air time was 6:30 a.m.     back to home page