It would be hard to say there was only one winner at the Marengo County Foster Parent Associations Thursday Easter basket giveaway. When the name was drawn in the raffle Sarah Barnhill of Demopolis was the official winner of the free Easter basket, however, through the many donations collected there were many other winners as far as the association and foster children in Marengo County are concerned.

Every ticket purchased was another drop in the bucket to benefit the children and the association. Tawanna Jones, foster parent coordinator, said the program has been going on for some time and was a great way to help raise money.

“The proceeds are used to assist or help the foster children of Marengo County,” Jones said. “They skipped one year and didn’t do it last year, but had been doing it for the last three years.”

Charlotte Webb, resource developer for the Marengo County Foster Parent Association said the basket giveaway is used each year to raise funds.

“The Marengo County Foster Parent Association raises money every year and this is one of the events,” Webb said. “They donate the goods and have the raffle for the Easter basket.”

The basket giveaway is a good cause and always has positive results. On top of this, the event is a lot of fun for all involved.

“This is something we have a lot of fun with,” Jones said. “It brings them all together and they have a chance to talk about it and discuss it.”

Tamika Dial, foster parent president, said the community is very supportive of the event. Dial said they were all grateful for the help they had received.

“We just want to thank Food World of Demopolis and Silk Flowers and Gifts of Linden for helping us,” Dial said. “We also want to thank everyone that purchased a ticket. We really appreciate all the help we got.”

Tickets were sold for $1 apiece from Feb. 1 through March 24 before the Thursday drawing.

The Foster Parent Association is always looking for parents to help out. Anybody interested in becoming a foster parent may contact Tawanna Jones at Marengo County DHR 295-2000.

Donations are also welcome. If you or any members of your organization would like to make a tax deductible donation please contact Dial at 334-289-1500.