Morningside Baptist Church is sponsoring a festival to raise funds to benefit foster children and children living with relatives in Lincoln County.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, in the Family Life Center behind the church.

According to Lisa Aycock, social services case manager for the Lincoln County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), "Foster children do get some financial assistance, but 'relative-placed children' get aid only if the state takes custody of them first and then places them with relatives.

"Sometimes, parents agree to allow their children to stay with relatives elsewhere instead of relinquishing custody to the state," Aycock continued. "These children receive a minimal amount of direct aid through TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families). Either way - foster child or relative-placed child - the aid is usually barely enough to cover the basics."

There are approximately 18 foster and relative-placed children in Lincoln County at the current time.

In her comments, Linda Miller, the organizer of the carnival, said, "As is the case in most counties, there are no local support groups for these families in our county. In order to show these families that they do have support and are appreciated by the community, we decided to hold a carnival where everything is free.

"We want these foster parents, 'relative parents,' and the children to know that we are proud of them for making such a commitment. We also want to give the children a special opportunity to feel valued and loved."

"All children have the need to feel that they are the center of someone's attention," said Rev. Dan Fernandez, pastor of Morningside Baptist. "Oftentimes, through no fault of their foster parents or relatives, these children do not get to feel that way."

The carnival will feature a fishing pond, a balloon/darts booth, water tictac toe, a duck pond, face painting, clowns, a moon walk, an inflatable bouncer-slide, Candyland and Clue, Jr. tournaments, a "bowling" booth, horseshoes, volleyball, a ring toss, a bean bag toss, balloon animals, bobbing for apples, a ball-throwing station, a water toss, and plenty of hotdogs, cookies, chips, soft drinks, and flavored ice.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to this worthy cause may do so at each activity station. The funds will be used to purchase gift certificates to help meet the needs of these children.

"We appreciate all donations to this ministry," stated Linda Miller. "We hope the carnival will shed some light on the plight of these families and encourage others to step forward and get involved in the future of our community by giving of their time and financial resources to help these children. Some may even consider becoming foster parents - it's a demanding job but the rewards are priceless."

Also on September 16, the church's Youth Praise Band will hold a "Praise and Worship Service Under the Stars" for the carnival participants, along with the rest of the community. The concert is slated to begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend the praise and worship service.

For more information about the carnival or the praise concert, call Linda Miller at 1-706-364-8715.

To learn about what it takes to become a foster parent, contact the Foster Adopt Inquiry Hotline at 1-877210-5437 for an information and referral package or call the local DFCS office at 706-359-3135.