MONROE, CT — Stepney Baptist Church held its first Christmas party for foster children from around the area on Dec. 14 with a story, carols and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“Our church in conjunction with a few area churches does a monthly mentoring program and a week-long summer camp for foster kids called Royal Family Kids Camp,” said The Rev. Kevin Merritt, pastor of Stepney Baptist Church, 423 Main St.
“The goal for the camp and mentoring program is to bring healing and hope to children who have suffered family induced childhood trauma.”
The Save Our Stepney Task Force prepared personal gifts for the 25 children involved in the program.
“We had a full Christmas dinner with roast beef and homemade bread, decorate your own cookies, games, the ‘Christmas Story’ and of course Christmas carols,” Merritt said. “We were graciously visited by Santa and Mrs. Claus.”
He said Alan and Dottie Dodd played the role of the famous North Pole couple.
