ATLANTA, Texas - It's too late now, but next year put on your holiday to-do list a trip to the early Christmas shoppers gift land. It's a little like visiting Santa Claus, who as it happens, will be present.
The event happens every October in Atlanta at Atlanta Middle School Gymnasium.
The idea is to have vendors display their gift creations with purchases supporting a Christmas gifts program for children in the care of Child Protective Services (CPS).
The good-will event is the project of three local individuals - Cindi Young, Jamie Young and Kristin Thompson - now it its third year and growing.
"We have more and more vendors and people," Cindi Young said at Saturday's entry table, where she collected $5 admission fees for adults to enter. Additional money comes from the booth rentals by vendors.
"The money goes for Christmas gifts, wrapped and delivered to our foster families. It's such a big thing for our children at Christmas. We have around 50 children in the program, and often the gifts will include school clothing or something for one's birthday from our rainbow room," said CPA Board member Pat Grogan.
"We succeed and are growing because of our community's support," Cindi Young said. "We advertise but mostly it is because the community cares and comes."
Child Protective Services serves children in their homes, places children in foster care, helps youths transition to adulthood and assists children to become adopted.