A toddler's touch - ATL manager signs up to take home a ward of the state after being captivated by a two-year-old
Published:Friday | December 21, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Every Christmas, Tonya Russell and her co-workers look forward to their visit to the Glenhope Nursery where they try to bring some cheer to the lives of the children there.
But this year, there was a twist in the story as her heart was stolen by a two-year-old baby girl who she said reminded her of herself.
"She was really sweet," declared Russell, who is the marketing manager at Appliance Traders Limited (ATL).
Russell said she was then informed of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency's (CPFSA) Take a Child Home for Christmas programme through which individuals with good moral standing are encouraged to take a child who is in state care into their house for the season.
"I thought it was such a cool idea, so I said OK, I have to apply," said the marketing executive who is in her early 30s.
"I was intrigued based on my interaction with the children for the day," Russell told The Sunday Gleaner.
While Russell will not be able to take home the little girl who captivated her, she is looking forward to the little boy or girl who will be spending time with her and her family on Christmas Day.
"At my house there is a big dinner on Christmas Day, so I am hoping to get him/her for that and perhaps I can take them to CocoJam, or the beach, or something," said Russell, as she noted that the two-year-old is too young to be a part of the CPFSA programme.
Russell knows she can depend on her family to help show the selected child a wonderful time.
"My mother is very excited; once I told her, she was very happy," said Russell.