Liberty University Family and Child Development Association’s makes valentines for children
Over a chocolate fountain, the Liberty University Family and Child Development Association (FACDA) hosted its first meeting of the semester Monday, Feb. 11, and brainstormed ways to partner with a local organization.
The 60 attendees made valentines for children involved with Park View Community Mission, a Lynchburg organization that, according to its website, “works to restore the lives of families and communities by building relationships and providing life-changing resources.”
On top of making fun valentines and enjoying delicious treats, attendees were encouraged to bring in gloves, mittens and socks to donate to the organization.
“We wanted our members to be doing more than just making valentines. We wanted them to go out and buy something to bring here,” Madeline Ott, the club’s president, said. “I feel like it means so much more when you have to work for it.”
Two representatives from Park View Community Mission joined the meeting: Rachel Koenig, a former student in the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) department, and Brittany Melvin, a community resource coordinator.
Melvin shared a bit about her testimony and how she came from a more secular position in banking to a career where she could serve the people around her. She also spoke about Jesus to the club.
“We love to focus on Christ in our meetings and to make that the reason why we love children and families,” Megan Schmidt, the club’s public relations officer, said.
Koenig talked about the poverty level in Lynchburg and shared ways to meet the needs of children in Lynchburg.
Though the group is only in its second year, it has tried to do a service project for Park View Community Mission each semester.
A part of FACS at Liberty, FACDA also seeks to provide opportunities for club members to network and provide opportunities for FACS members to network with each other.
Photo Provided CARDED — Brittany Melvin (left) and Rachel Koenig (right) hold cards made at the meeting.
“There are so many ways you can go with FACS,” Ott said. “I am thinking about being a school counselor. Some people want to be social workers, preschool teachers, all that stuff. It’s a really good way to network.”
At the club’s next meeting March 25, they plan to do a craft and talk about how to educate kids on the outdoors. The club’s last meeting of the semester will be held on April 15 and will be an internship fair where students from FACS will share about their internship experiences with the group.
The meetings are open to anyone, however in order to officially join the club, members must be students in the FACS department.
For more updates on the club and to see some of the valentines made at the group’s recent meeting, follow along with them on Instagram at @Liberty_facda and Facebook at @LUFACDA.
Photo Provided HANDCRAFTED — The valentines were made for children at the Park View Com- munity Mission. 