Most Wonderful Update of The Year

This Christmas season brought a number of fun events for which we are overwhelmingly grateful! Those who stepped up and partnered with us during this time made sure our kids felt loved and that their unique talents and interests were affirmed.

2019 CHRISTMAS PARTY

Every year, just a few days after Christmas Day, our ACTS family gathers to celebrate the season. One of the most exciting parts for kids, staff, and volunteers alike is to join in a Secret Santa exchange. Everyone gets to give and receive gifts straight from the heart as they give based on what they know about each person’s likes and interests. ACTS was also able to give each kid a Christmas stocking filled with fun items as well as basic necessities.

The Christmas party continued with gifts sponsored by Higher Health Chiropractic in Holland. Their office held a collection drive based on the wishlists of each of our kids. The kindness of this group went far beyond what we imagined and made this Christmas truly special for the ACTS family. And once again Silkscreen Marketing created awesome T-Shirts.

CHRISTMAS CARD ARTWORK

5th grader Layla recently created this sketch during her time at ACTS. Little did she know that this piece would be featured on the Christmas card sent to Innotec Group’s many contacts! Having her artwork commissioned by a larger company was a new and exciting experience for Layla, her family, and her ACTS family. She said, “ making the picture helped me grow as an artist and it’s cool to know my mom and my dad were happy for me because they know that I have potential in making art. People have told me that I’m not good at art and I didn’t listen and I kept practicing.” We are grateful for those affirmed Layla’s hard work and talent by connecting her with this opportunity. “When I gave it to Ms. Connie I felt good about myself because I knew I did well and that she liked it.”

Layla has a huge heart and clear passion for art, she was so excited to share “a happy piece of art that would bring light and joy.” We are so excited to see her confidence grow as she understands one of many ways she can make a difference in the world. “I think that when people see it... kids might think if I (Layla) can create art that became a card then maybe they can too. It might inspire others. If people like art... they shouldn’t give up or let others negative words get to them.”