“We accept responsibility for children” is the creed of a dedicated group of volunteers from Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas known as the Presby Pen Pals. For five years, the Presby Pen Pals have exchanged personal letters every other week with the children enrolled in the Vickery After School Program.
This after-school program provides children living in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood with a safe haven and educational activities. The staff at Presbyterian Hospital saw that many of these “at-risk” children needed caring adult mentors in their lives and sought to meet that need through the Presby Pen Pals program.
More than 25 adult volunteers participate in this unique program, which helps build students’ character; encourages their interest in reading and writing; and improves academic performance in grammar, spelling and reading. But the program provides more than writing opportunities. The children and their Presby Pen Pals share secrets with each other, predict the outcome of Cowboys games, surprise each other with Valentines and exchange photos. The Presby Pen Pals host pizza parties, coordinate craft activities and plan a graduation celebration at the end of each school year. Best of all, the Presby Pen Pals program provides meaningful relationships and a vision of the world outside.
“What started as a correspondence program has blossomed into something greater,” said Jacqueline Eldridge, director of the Vickery After School Program. “The Presby Pen Pals have become extended family members and guardian angels for these children.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Vickery After School Program or other nonprofit agencies, call the Volunteer Center of Dallas County at 214-826-6767.
