KENNETT, Mo. - Kiwanians here Wednesday heard from Delta Children's Home Board of Directors Pres. Michele Perez, who spoke about the non-profit and its importance to the community.
"When children have nowhere else to go, the Children's Home provides a roof over their heads," Perez said. "And a secure family environment for them to stay during their times of crisis."
The board president said two homes serve as respite sites for at-need kids in the county, each home was remodeled and both can house up to six children.
"We were able to advertise for house parents for both homes," Perez explained. "We were truly blessed to find two families that are eager to help children, and young enough to keep up with their activities."
One house parent, Kiwanian A.C. Caulcrick who works for the city's utility, told club members about the joys and challenges of offering support for children who might not be his bio-kids, but who he and his spouse care for just the same.
"It's a blessing to be a part of something greater than us," Caulcrick said. "We have many kids.
"And being new parents ourselves, we sometimes have to take it easy," he continued. "We've been getting lots of calls and messages. But we're planning on adding more kids to our extended family here soon."
One blessing Caulcrick received wasn't a material one.
But it was an existential gift, nonetheless.
"I have one girl in the house right now who is 17 and just got her driving permit today," Caulcrick said. "So, I let her drive us to her school this morning, and she was nervous.
"But it was a thrill to be there for her," he added. "It's a real blessing for us."
The Children's Home is supported by donors and by two annual fundraisers that most Dunklin Countians are familiar with, the Sheryl Crow Birthday Drive and the Harold Perkins Legacy Cup Golf Tournament.
The Sheryl Crow Birthday Drive began in 2001, and garners global attention, Perez noted.
The multi-Grammy winner, who calls Kennett her hometown, is a faithful supporter, and auctions for her autographed guitars and personal items are an extremely popular part of the fundraising event, all of them considered featured prizes, Perez said.
The Harold Perkins Legacy Cup Gold Tournament is equally as popular locally, and board members are encouraged to both participate in and staff the outing, Perez noted.
The Children's Home Board of Directors is a 12-member team, each person appointed by Kiwanian and Dunklin County Judge Jason Scherer.
Delta Children's Home 2025 Board of Directors are Annalea Craig, Laura Harris, James Sloan, Shane Stewart, Blake Bowers, Malinda Harris, Will Mobley, Kim Collins, Scottie Landess, Kim Short, Whitey Wallace, and Perez, she noted.
"As president, I have asked each member to participate in assisting with the golf tournament," Perez explained. "To serve as an officer if asked and to participate in the rotation to visit both homes at least one time or two times during the year."
"We have a monthly board meeting on the second Wednesday of each month," she continued. "Each member that I have had the privilege of working with has been a true joy. If you enjoy helping children, I hope you will consider becoming a board member if you are asked to do so."
The Kennett Kiwanis Club meets at noon every Wednesday at The Grecian Steakhouse of Kennett, 1108 S. Bypass, Kennett.
For more information about the Delta Children's Home, log on to https://deltachildrenshome.com/
For more information about the Sheryl Crow Birthday Drive from 2024, please see: https://www.facebook.com/sherylcrow/videos/announcing-the-2024-sheryl-crow-birthday-drivefor-more-than-20-years-fans-have-c/1417522792496094/
For more information about the Kennett Kiwanis Club, see https://kennettkiwanisclub.org/
For more information about the Grecian, access https://kennettgrecian.com/