Wright City's Diekroeger Park building sparkled with energy one Saturday earlier this month as families, organizers and sponsors gathered for the Warren County Foster Parent Support Group's seventh annual Christmas for Kids event to help local foster and adoptive families prepare for the holidays. There was plenty to celebrate as an estimated 50 kids lined up to visit with Santa, lunched on macaroni and barbecue, played games and anticipated opening gifts on Christmas Day. Many of those gifts were made possible by caring neighbors and sponsors who wanted to make the holiday happier for kids in need and less financially stressful for foster and adoptive parents. Organizers Cathy Pritchett and Tracy Ragan say the support for the families from community sponsors has been incredible, growing considerably since they started the program in 2003. But as support has increased, so has the number and needs of children in foster care. The situation is made harder for foster and adoptive parents struggling to provide for their expanded families in today's tough economy. "With the holidays approaching, many of these children often are left with the feeling of being alone," says Pritchett. "Their wishes for Christmas often go unfulfilled due to circumstances beyond their control, and they need their community now more than ever to step up and help them have happy holidays." Planning for the Christmas for Kids event begins in early fall, says Ragan, as the group calls for sponsors for all Warren County children in foster care. With wish lists for children ages 0-13 years in hand, sponsors commit to purchase gifts with up to $100 in total value. Volunteers pick up the gifts and distribute to foster and adoptive parents to wrap and put them under the tree from Santa. For kids 14 and older, sponsors donate shopping money that kids are able to use on an organized Christmas shopping spree to choose their own presents. Shopping is followed by dinner out. Among this year's sponsors were Scott Air Force Base, Scouting groups, churches, schools, companies, employee groups and individuals. Youth from the Wright City Academy volunteered to help at the party. Organizers say the Christmas wishes of 93 children were met through the effort. Families like those of Bill and Jamie Coovert who have adopted three children and have another child in foster care in addition to their own biological children appreciate the support the group and other families and the community offer throughout the year and especially during the holidays. Like many other families at the event, the Cooverts' children were dressed in festive outfits and enjoyed getting in the spirit of the season with other children and families. Son T.J. didn't seem to mind at all getting dressed up in a tie and vest for the occasion to join his sisters Chelsea, Larissa and Skylair at the party. Jim and Donna Killmade of Marthasville were on hand with their nine adopted children who came to them first through foster care. The Killmades' giant hearts have made for a loving and lively home for young children Angel, Cheyenne, Tommy, Jerry, Anna, Cassie, Alec, Teresita and Samantha. "It gets pretty crazy sometimes, but it's always fun," says Jim Killmade. The Killmades agree that the generosity of the community through Christmas for Kids helps ease the stresses of the holidays, bringing more joy for the kids and less angst about holiday spending and providing for their family. For more information about the group, which officially goes by the Warren County Chapter of the Missouri Foster Care and Adoptive Association (WCCMFCAA), contact Cathy Pritchett at cathy@LogicBlast.com or visit the Web site at www.FosterAdoptC12.com.