*Originally published in Kentucky Today. 

At Sunrise, we do our very best to let our kids know they are loved and cared for by all of our staff. Recently, however, one of our residential boys discovered that there are many people outside of our agency who also love our kids.

Each year, the boys who live at Sunrise’s Spring Meadows Center in Mt. Washington take a trip to the Kentucky State Fair. Because it is considered a school activity, the boys are assigned to write a paper on something they learned, liked or found interesting during the trip.

One of our boys shared his paper:

THE FAIR

What I found interesting at the fair were the adoption and child welfare stands.

It was interesting ’cause they were there trying to find foster parents for people like us in Sunrise.

They didn’t even know the people that needed homes, but they cared, and they were there for hours. At first, no one in the middle school class wanted to go to this section of the fair, but I kinda made them, and I asked the lady there if she could explain what they’re doing and told the group that there are people that care abut the future and welfare that they don’t even know.

I thought it was cool to go there because it was a good learning experience for me and the group because it was beneficial.

I also liked the fact that at the fair, there were goats. I love goats, and seeing goats made me happy and made me feel like I was home.

I also liked how there were a lot of respectful people there. So, when you treated people with respect, they did the same. And they were helpful.

Also (one of the other Spring Meadows boys) told the cup guy that he only had $20, and if he can get the cup for $15, he can get food. The guy agreed. It was very generous of him even though he didn’t have to. And it shows that people are kind.

This paper basically brings my reason for writing it is ’cause people are kind and caring and want you to know that they want you to be happy and feel welcome.

Your continued support to Sunrise allows all of our boys and girls to have these kinds of experiences. Your support throughout the year truly makes a difference in the lives of our kids.

Written by David Lyninger,  director of communications for Sunrise Children’s Services.