Senior adults raise more than $19,000 in quarters

For at least the forth year in a row, the senior adults at the Little River Baptist Association in Nashville participated in an annual mission venture to raise funds for Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries (ABCHomes.) Known as “Quarters for Kids,” the fund-raiser brought in more than $19,500 in quarters and a few other monetary gifts.

Spearheaded by Mary Ann Jones, Little River Association senior adult director, the project encouraged association churches to collect quarters for ABCHomes. At least 22 churches took part in the event.

This year’s donation was the largest amount collected by the senior adults. In 2008, the group raised $12,144 in quarters. In 2009, they raised $14,600 and about $15,000 last year.

The funds will be distributed to each resident in the care of ABCHomes, every ABCHomes houseparent and every child of a houseparent. Each recipient will receive a designated amount to purchase Christmas gifts for their loved ones and friends. An additional gift will be given to each resident to spend on themselves.

David Perry, ABCHomes executive director, said he is “amazed again” at the group’s generosity. “What else could I say about these senior adults ... who provide this mountain of quarters so that the children in our care, as well as houseparents and their children will have funds to buy Christmas presents for others that are important in their lives,” said Perry. “This project means so much to our kids. What a blessing!”

True to tradition, churches collected quarters in unique and useful containers. This year, containers were beverage containers, including, water pitchers, coolers, tea pots and carafes. Containers will be donated to ABCHomes facilities.