Holiday Joy: Aktion Club Drive Helps Children By Luke Schumacher
The holiday season is filled with many ways to serve the community and the Moore Aktion Club is currently in the middle of their own initiative.
Currently, there are 25 children that live at Jordan’s Crossing. However, that population can grow up to 100 during the weekends or when school is out.
The Aktion Club is raising funds and collecting donations for Jordan’s Crossing, a drug addiction treatment center. However, this is not your typical treatment center.
“Their largest population are children between newborn and five-years-old,” said Smith. “There are babies born in this facility.”
Jordan’s Crossing helps women with children overcome addiction. The center allows for the mothers and children to live together. “Usually, women would not seek help with drug addiction because they would have to find a new home for their children,” said Jessicia Smith, Aktion Club advisor and quality assurance director of Santa Fe Place. “Jordan’s Crossing helps these women by bringing their children with them.”
These newborn children and their moms have little to no supplies to provide for themselves. This is where Aktion Club comes in. They are currently collecting simple items like baby shampoo, baby wipes, onesie pajamas, and blankets to name a few items. “Pajamas and blankets are a huge need for them,” said Smith. “They also need pacifiers, diapers, and coats.
The children also need some toys, games, puzzles, and outdoor items to play with. These are important not just so the children have something to do, but so they can bond more with their mothers. Members of the Aktion Club are excited about the opportunity. “I am excited to help,” said Patsy Fleming, secretary of the Moore Aktion Club. “I want the kids to get presents so they can be happy and have a nice Christmas.” “I like to help and give things to kids,” said Scott Cooper, leader of the community service committee. “It makes me feel good.” Despite recent budget cuts and other setbacks, Aktion Club has been a light in the Moore community in other ways since they were chartered in August. The members volunteer at the Moore Faith Clinic
frequently, and they also work a lot with the Key Clubs at the Moore high schools. “They have huge hearts and it’s amazing how happy they are to give to the community,” said Smith. The Aktion Club will be raising funds and collecting donations until December 18th. They are collecting anything from baby products such as shampoo, diapers, pajamas, and pacifiers to children’s’ toys, games, books, and movies. There is also a huge need for blankets. If you are interested in helping or finding a place to drop off a donation, contact Jessicia Smith at jessismith@santafeplace. net or call 793-1643.
DECEMBER 2017 | MOORE MONTHLY | 29