The National Life Foundation recently donated $1,000 to the Christmas for Kids program in Barre. Michael Boutin, one of our employees, is a member of the Barre city council and an active participant in helping get kids and families what they need during the holidays.
Here’s what Michael had to add about the program:
The Christmas for Kids program is a pretty small operation with a big impact in Barre City. The purpose goes beyond just giving kids presents. In the last couple years we have solidified the process. The program started way before I was on City Council. Through my position on City Council we have started to see a big impact and positive sentiments in our community.
It is not just about the gifts. It is also a way to make positive connections with the police. The children vetted through the school are also likely to have home issues as well. That will likely mean a visit from an officer. One of the goals I have not been silent on is the goal of creating positive connections with the families and the police. Having a good relationship can lower escalations and if it makes one child feel comfortable enough to inform an officer of an abusive situation it is worth all the money and all the time in the world.