HANDS Foundation makes holidays bright for local HeadStart children
(Talk of the Town photos provided) Above, Kylie Hagans, a HANDS member from Columbia City High School, helps a student make a Christmas card. Below, Evan Cozad, below, a HANDS member from Whitko Middle School, assists a student as she decorates cookies.
By John Slavich
On Thursday December 9, 2010, members of the H.A.N.D.S. Foundation met at Wal-Mart early in the day and shopped for gifts for 32 Head Start students in preparation for hosting Christmas parties for two 
classes. Each member was given two children to shop for -- one in the morning class and one in the afternoon class. Once the gifts were wrapped, children enjoyed making Christmas cards, cookie decorating and a playful game of ‘pin the nose’ on the snowman complete with party favors. After the activities, Santa delivered presents to each child.
The H.A.N.D.S. Foundation is a collaborative effort with The Dekko Foundation, the Whitley County Community Foundation and the three Whitley County School Systems. If you would like more information about H.A.N.D.S., contact John Slavich at 244-5224.