News from Franklin County Children Services

  Books are gifts children can open again and again. Our friends at Gramercy Books Bexley have generously collected more than 400 donated books for Holiday Wish, bringing the joy of reading to young people in our care. We’re proud to share the story of their Book Angel program.

Joining in our commitment in Franklin County Children Services to promoting inclusion and belonging, hundreds of Central Ohio donors have helped children in the agency’s care receive holiday gifts that honor their culture, celebrate their identities, and offer learning opportunities. The annual Black Girl Magic Gift Drive and the inaugural Black Boy Brilliance brought out the crowds this December, with hundreds of holiday gifts that celebrate the uniqueness of Black and Brown boys and girls through the agency’s Holiday Wish Program. The joys of a child holding a doll or action figure that looks like them, reading a book that stimulates their imagination, and being enthralled by an activity that opens their eyes to the world around them are unmatched.  “I am grateful to be part of a community that prioritizes Black girls,” said our Malaika Mentor Program Director Tonia Still. “It was the presence and partnership of our community that made our 2023 Black Girl Magic event a success!” ...

For more than 60 years, the Central Ohio community has been granting the wishes of children served by Franklin County Children Services through our Holiday Wish Program. But there would be no wishes to grant without the work of our loyal “elves” who come back each year to keep the program organized and running. Led by Head Elf Frieda McKarn, the temporary staff of five marched into the agency in mid-October to begin the process of collecting and matching wish lists, arranging pickups, sorting toys, and labeling gift tags. The work isn’t done until mid-January after they’ve helped put smiles on the faces of thousands of children in FCCS care.  Ms. McKarn retired after working with Children Services for more than 38 years, most recently as a kinship supervisor. She returned soon after, recalling the joy on the faces of families when children received gifts from Holiday Wish. She’s been with the program for eight years. Paula Kuzelka, who worked in the FCCS Fiscal Department for 33 ye...