Toting unwrapped toys for Kidscope kids, many shoppers who came Saturday to the Christmas craft sale at Magens Bay put an unknown child’s holiday wishes before their own.
Sponsored by the Traveling Road Show, the event attracted more than a dozen area artisans, including mixed-media artist Theresa Quetel, whose work combines found objects from the sea, ornament maker Dennis Parker, and doll creator Katie Bliss.
The afternoon also served as a fundraiser and gift-collection point for Kidscope, a nonprofit child-advocacy center that serves families from St. Thomas and St. John.
“We advocate for children, but we also work with women and families,” after-school coordinator Jahweh David said.
Kidscope provides free counseling, crisis intervention, forensic interviews, mentoring, and social-service referrals for children and their families.
The staff helps children who are experiencing many types of problems, but among the most difficult to face are those involving sexual abuse, counselor Kareema Stevens said.
“We help the families to get past that point and to heal,” Stevens said. “And not just the children, but the entire family as a whole. That’s a big task, and that takes time.”
Kidscope receives funding from the V.I. Department of Human Services, the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, and private donors, according to an organization handout.
Everyone can help make an area child’s Christmas more cheery by donating to Kidscope. Call 340-714-1012 or visit www.kidscopevi.org for more information.
