|
Judge Kathleen
Mulligan, Chief Justice of Allegheny County Juvenile Court, has set
aside one day a month for adoption ceremonies. She feels that
adoptions are a happy occasion
and shouldn't be held in court the same days as parental
rights are terminated and children are placed in foster care.
She is giving Hug-A-Bears with her name and the date of adoption
written on their backs to the adopted children as
a reminder of the adoption day.
Bonnie Adams, Chapter President, and Rebecca Farabaugh visited the
juvenile court for the first monthly adoption ceremony. On entering
the reception area, jam-packed with happy, smiling kids of all ages
and adults, we identified ourselves as being from Bell Atlantic
Pioneers and were profusely thanked for our bears. Cheryl Parkhill,
the juvenile court liaison, invited us to sit on an adoption case. It
was very moving and impressive. Several days later, Ms. Parkhill
called me to thank us again and tell us how much the bears meant to
the kids. She also said it was one day in the court when there was no
tears, just smiles.
This will be an
ongoing project and we will need assistance, both actual volunteer
time to stuff, paint and bag the bears as well as monetary donations
to purchase stuffing, paints and ribbons, which must meet strict
safety standards. If you have any unused cotton material in your
sewing corner please feel free to send it to the Pioneer Office; any
piece about 12 inches square will do. Our "Bear Sessions"
are held the second Monday of each month, except July, August and
December, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Evening stuffing sessions are
variously scheduled. No need to let us know if you are coming, just
come!
|
|
