By Karen Gavis/se news editor
Children and their parents who reside at the Arlington Life Shelter will be honored guests at a Nov. 29 dinner in the North Ballroom on SE Campus.
Volunteers will serve dinner from 7 to 9 p.m., said SE student development associate Natalie Gamble. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present, and Mrs. Claus will read a story to the children. Gifts from the giving trees around campus, which have been gathered and wrapped, will then be presented.
“We serve them. We bring them their drinks,” she said. “During that time, they don’t want for nothing.”
About 15 children, ranging from 2 to 14 years old, stay at the shelter, said Arlington Life Shelter lead resident assistant Melvin Evans. Evans, who has worked at the shelter five years, said he has been tremendously blessed to work with those staying there.
“I am grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
Angela Hughes, 22, lives at the shelter with her sons Reginald, John Jr. and Thomas. The boys are ages 3, 4 and 7.
Hughes said she was fired from her job, could not pay the rent and late fees on her apartment and had nowhere to go.
“I actually sat out in my car and cried before I came in,” she said. “My boys were asleep.”
Today, the young mother and her boys smile. Hughes said she is glad she came to the shelter because it gives her a chance to save her money, they do not have to worry about food or clothing and her children love it.
“I feel safe and secure here with my kids,” she said. “This is a pretty good place.”
Resident assistant Amaris Haywood said children staying at the shelter can use winter clothing such as coats, socks, hats, gloves and long-sleeved undershirts. Haywood said the children like playing with puzzles and electronic devices.
Arlington Life Shelter currently has four computers available for resident use.
“That’s what they come and jump on,” she said.
