Madison County helps families enjoy Christmas

by Randy Pierce • Families in Madison County who are socioeconomically challenged, according to a term used by its child advocacy center (CAC) director, Jenny Wilkinson, were able to experience enhanced enjoyment of the holiday season this year because of the efforts of her staff and many others who dedicated themselves to various programs and projects designed for this purpose.

Wilkinson, in reporting to the county board judiciary committee earlier this month, explained that the employees at the CAC, “in full hustle,” collected toys, food and handed out baskets to families coming to the center in Wood River who, she added, can find very often “the holidays can be a real struggle.”

This effort consisted of a shopping trip to a Walmart store, which reserved a checkout lane for the 15 families being served, the cost being supported with donations made by community members and organizations.

Wilkinson added that these families also received everyday staples like laundry detergent, toiletries and easy-to-make food since those items might be hard to come by for the recipients.

“With all the tough stuff that we deal with,” Wilkinson commented, “this is actually a really favorite thing that we do and it gives us a break to see the smiles on the kiddos’ faces.”

Madison County Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae followed Wilkinson’s report with his sharing the details about the annual adoption day program held on Friday, Dec. 19, in the courthouse in Edwardsville, an event conducted in a joyous atmosphere consisting of people in costumes, decorations and Santa Claus, remarking that it “is exciting, really something to see.”

“The families and the kids love it,” McRae added. “It’s really a special blessing for their Christmas season. A lot of times when people come to the courthouse, it’s not for very exciting things” so this is an example that those participating are happy about. 

Madison County Circuit Court Chief Judge David Threlkeld shared how his team worked with the clerk’s office to administer “Operation Blessing,” packing up six full-size trucks with food, hygiene items and personal products for those in need.

Jeffrey Seaman, superintendent of the Madison County Detention Home in Edwardsville, told the judiciary committee how representatives of Brightpoint of Granite City visited the facility he oversees and helped the juveniles there paint Christmas ornaments to hang on the tree at that location plus personnel from the library in Glen Carbon visited for the purpose of cookie decorating.

The chief deputy for the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Marcos Pulido, stated this law enforcement agency had partnered with the Argosy Casino of Alton which provided several vouchers for turkeys which were handed out by patrol officers to various individuals.

“Obviously, I wish we had one for everyone, but we don’t,” Pulido added, noting that he discussed this with the deputies on street duty by saying, “Whenever you come across someone and you feel you believe they’re in need, we’re not here to make a big deal about it, you just offer that to them and walk away. We’re not there to take pictures with them or do anything to highlight anything.”

The sheriff’s department also established a “Shop with a Cop” program where a handful of students joined officers at the Walmart in Godfrey with Pulido noting that many municipalities elsewhere in the county, including Troy, have similar programs.

Support for the sheriff’s department shopping project came from fund-raising efforts held by its bargaining unit officers during the past year, Pulido explained, along with some clubs and organizations in the area.

Sheriff Jeff Connor said, referring to “Shop with a Cop,” added how enlightening it is, “to see the looks on these kids’ faces as they light up with a positive encounter with law enforcement because a lot of times, most of these kids, not all of them, but a lot of them, have had negative contacts with law enforcement because mom and dad are fighting or whatever the case may be. If you guys have never experienced it, you should go. It will make your day. It warms your heart. It humbles you.”