Gifts from Project Cuddle help foster hope for children

Jennifer Kho

COSTA MESA -- Its name is Project Cuddle and its mission is to collect

enough presents to bring smiles to the faces of more than 300 abused

children who have signed up for its annual Foster Holiday Party.

“Some of these children may not get anything otherwise,” said Jo-Ellen

Hurley, volunteer coordinator for the Costa Mesa-based charity.

“It was so surprising to me to find out that foster parents only get

$174 a year for clothing. I mean, I spent more money than that on a prom

dress for my daughter.

“This gives people a chance to let these kids -- who are in a

difficult situation, having been taken away from their family -- know

they care and to make the kids feel special.

“They [the children] absolutely appreciate every little thing they are

given because they are so underprivileged and it’s a chance for us to

bless them with a great time for the holiday season.”

Project Cuddle is a 10-year-old nonprofit organization that provides

emotional and emergency support in an attempt to prevent child

abandonment. Friday marked the first day of its annual toy drive for

previously abused foster children.

Until Saturday, Orange County Swapmeet visitors who donate a new,

unwrapped toy or clothing item valued at $5 or more will receive free

admission, which regularly costs $2.

At this year’s holiday party Dec. 10, each child will receive a gift,

Hurley said.

Younger children also will have an opportunity to do craft projects

and teenagers will be given play money to “buy” donated toys and clothes.

The need for toys is especially high this year because some of the

toys Project Cuddle planned to distribute were quarantined. They were

stored at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, where asbestos was

discovered.

Presents for teenagers are in particular demand, Hurley said.

“We really really need something for teenagers,” she said. “It’s easy

to get a little truck or something for children, but it takes a little

more to help the teenagers fit in.

“And donors who help us can bless a child with a gift and can enjoy

themselves at the swap meet for free at the same time.”

Wendy Mason, who has been a foster parent for a number of children,

said she is bringing Michael, her 16-year-old adopted son, and Chelsea, a

7-year-old to whom Mason is her legal guardian, to this year’s party.

“A lot of times, people donate things that you normally wouldn’t be

able to buy for these kids,” Mason said.

“I don’t know a foster parent who doesn’t try to give their child a

nice Christmas, but they are sometimes able to get things that are above

and beyond what we could do.”