Wish is answered with a gift

Wishing wells hold a special place in European folklore.

A particular wishing well in Allentown holds a very special place to the Guardian ad Litem program in Santa Rosa County.

Wednesday, members of the program were on hand as Paulette Allen donated a check for $1,400 that will help with the Brandon Fund for children in Santa Rosa County.

This is a special fun to help children in the Guardian ad Litem Program with items like clothes, shoes, camp, and other special needs.

“This is a huge gift for the program,” said Vicky Schlenker, a child guardian with the Guardian ad Litem Program for the past five years. “There are several resources available that we use, but there are times when we might need some extra help and this is where this fund will come in and this will help us do a lot of great things and go a long way.

“Paulette and the people who visit Allentown have been a blessing to us the last three years and with her efforts the people not only enjoy the lights but they become more aware of what we do thanks to her great work.”

Allen does not push people to donate, but is something they do on their own will.

“I will be sitting up by the house and people will ask me about the program,” Allen said. “I tell them about what the Guardian ad Litem program does and how it benefits the children in the program.

“Usually they tell me they didn’t donate, but they will as they walk back by.”

This also ties into the European folklore of the well since many believed that a wish would be granted by those who placed the water there, since it was considered a gift from the Gods.

Well the people who visit Allentown are being the ones with the gifts for children in need in Santa Rosa County.

According to the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation website, www.flgal.org, the foundation works to support the Florida Guardian ad Litem Progam through private fund raising.

Currently the program represents over 29,000 abused and neglected children with over 6,000 needing a voice in court.

While this helps there is still a great need of volunteers.

“We need volunteers,” said Rosemary Ash, Director of the Guardian program. “There are a lot of children in need and we need more people who are willing to help them by being their voice.”

To become a volunteer according to Ash there is a 30 hour training course; each candidate must go through a background check; three letters of reference; and you must be at least 19 years of age.

“When you get involved you are not alone in helping a child,” Ash said. “We have a lot of support staff and professional staff that are available to help you become a voice for the child in court.

“This is a hands on volunteer opportunity to make a difference and it makes a difference in a child’s life.”

This was not the only organization that benefited from the “Christmas in Allentown” event this past holiday season.

Allen, who just underwent breast cancer surgery herself, helped raise $510 for the American Cancer Society with the Memory Tree’s and photos taken at her light display when the weather allowed.