Jan. 4, 2007 — Each year on the day of the Children's Festival parade, the governor stops by and gives Christmas gifts to the children at the Queen Louise Home, with Gov. John deJongh Jr. doing his part Friday.
"I'm glad to continue with this Christmas tradition of giving gifts to the children here at Queen Louise," deJongh said. "It shows the kids people care about them."
The children, who were very well-behaved, waited quietly for the party to start.
"The kids are anxious, excited and they really looked forward to this visit from the governor," said Junia John-Straker, CEO of the home.
One of the boys helped the governor hand out gifts to the 21 children who are residents at the home. The gifts for the boys were personally selected by 10-year-old Julian deJongh, the first son.
"It was a lot of fun picking out the presents yesterday," Julian said. "It felt good to be giving."
He said he enjoyed getting Godzilla-themed toys for the boys.
Pastor Thomas J. Clay from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church gave an invocation. One of the residents — only identified by her first name, Phreshna — read a Christmas Festival poem to the group of close to 40 adults and children gathered for the party in the decorated auditorium.
First lady Cecile deJongh got into the mothering side of things and immediately went to one of the babies and held him on her lap during the visit. She also played with the children and helped them with directions on the new toys. The governor, ready to go on to the parade, waited patiently while Mrs. deJongh played.
"We are thankful for what God has given us," said Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis. "And this visit is about loving, sharing and giving."
Since 1904, Queen Louise Home has provided a safe haven for children who have been abused or neglected. The home has 13 abused and neglected children living in its Kids Cottage. Currently, one young girl has a pending adoption.
The Sister Emma Cottage is now home to nine children with severe physical and developmental disabilities.
A staff of professionals and AmeriCorps volunteers provides care and nurturing for children from birth to age 12. Lutheran Social Services and contributions from the public and private sector fund the home.
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