They tossed basketballs at two mini hoops, played pin the tail on the donkey and waited in line to tell Santa their Christmas wish. It was a short time span Saturday where kids throughout the area who share a common struggle came together for a day of fun. The Freedom Village Prison Ministry, based in Lake County, invited 110 children who have a parent who is incarcerated to a holiday party. They enjoyed food and drinks and every child left with two wrapped presents, courtesy of Toys for Tots.
“Other kids came with the kids we invited, so we have about 200 kids,” said Jacqueline Mirbel, the ministry’s secretary. All children invited have a parent who was arrested in Lake County. Mirbel said it’s so hard for the other parent or child’s guardian to make it financially, especially at Christmas. This has become an annual event, and the turnout always is good, she said. “One family has five children,” she said.
In addition to the Toys for Tots donations, the Prison Ministry spent $1,119 and continues to raise funds for the cause, she said. Mirbel said a lot of grandparents are taking care of the children while the parent is locked up. The grandparents take the children for visits, but for many it’s a three-hour drive each way. Trina Swaney of Mentor brought her boys, 7-year-old John Pringle and 3-year-old Josh Pringle.
She said it was the first time they attended and that they were very pleased with the event. “I liked the Christmas music,” Josh said as his mother spoke. “You should’ve said you liked the ring toss,” his big brother advised.