January 24 is National Compliment Day. To help share some joy, children from Edinboro United Methodist Church created goodie bags for parents and children experiencing a housing crisis.
The kids made some 36 goodie bags, filled with toys, candies and compliments to lift spirits and bring smiles to those staying at Erie United Methodist Alliance’s “The Refuge” shelter.
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The activity served as a way to teach kids about homelessness.
“I learned that some people don’t have homes and they can’t take all of the stuff with them that they want,” said Oliver Terrill, who helped make goodie bags.
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“I think it’s important to educate our kids about homelessness and the ways that they can help because they really are our future, and they’re going to make a big impact,” said Erika Depalma, director of development and marketing at EUMA.
In 2023, EUMA’s “The Refuge” served 162 people and 51 households, including 95 children.