Kidzreach

Kidzreach, is a program which gives 'at risk youth' a reprieve from their extremely challenging circumstances, each Sabbath, for an entire day. The crew is all volunteer, and includes the director, assistant, Pacific Union College students and various others. They all join to make a difference in the lives of approximately 35 children every week. The day is begun by picking up each child from his home, driving to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, feeding them breakfast, taking them to their prospective classes, attending church, eating lunch with them, engaging in play, hiking or some type of afternoon activity, all having dinner together, then driving them back home again. At Christmas, these young people are given a Special Dinner and Party, complete with gifts, which is often the only that some receive. A variety of communities donate and volunteer, along with the regular crew, to make this happen. While Kidzreach has only recently become an official non-profit, a lot of these families have been ministered to and 'gotten together' as a surrogate family for many, many years; some, for their entire lives. As a parent, I especially appreciate that we have been given the opportunity to participate as a family and church youth group as we are able. At times, volunteers bring their knowledge, specialties or games to share with the group, ie: instrument-playing, drawing and other art skills, etc.