Sorority project has morphed into annual event

West Midtown mom’s event helps Calvary Children’s Home.

In 2008, Kristen King was a sophomore at the University of Florida when she went looking for a charitable project her sorority could take on. She came up with “Greetings from the Greeks,” an event that collected money to buy gifts for kids at Christian City in Union City. The concept grew from her upbringing in East Cobb.

“When I was young, my parents gave my brother and me money to buy gifts for children through MUST Ministries,” said King, now a mother of two boys and living in West Midtown. “My brother did the boys, I’d do the girls, and it was so much fun. It instilled in us a mindset of generosity and understanding that people come from all difffffffffffferent circumstances. But I always wanted to meet the people we were giving to.”

King kept the idea going when she transferred to the University of Georgia. After graduating, she continued what had become a tradition and focused the project on supporting the Calvary Children’s Home in Powder Springs. Each fall, she organizes a gift drive and fundraising campaign to fulfifill the dreams of the home’s residents.

“I start in September when I get a wish list for about 30 children. Then we go out and buy the best gifts we can,” King said. “I get families and friends involved; I have a list of a big group of people I reach out to. I don’t set a price limit; I just tell them not to wrap anything. Other people donate fifinancially, and we hold onto that to fifill whatever gaps come up.”

King waits until the hectic holiday season is over to host a party at the home in mid-January.

“That’s when we can meet in person,” she said.

The party lasts most of the day. Volunteers often arrive with covered dishes and family members in tow. The gifts are distributed and opened, and everyone shares lunch. King also has a rafflffle table stocked with goodies, and each child gets to pick a prize. The day often ends with children and volunteers in the gym playing kickball or running around the playground.

“It’s a way for the children and our volunteers to meet and mingle,” King said. “They get to hear each child’s story. These children are there because of unfortunate family circumstances. They’re usually there for about two years while they get counseling, involved in activities and help getting into college and fifinding jobs.”

The day is equally rewarding for the stay-at-home mom and her family. “It’s our way to celebrate with them,” King said.

COURTESY Kristen King stands with Brian Busby, campus director of Calvary Children’s Home, the benefificiary of King’s works. Her event came about thanks to childhood lessons imparted by her parents.