Foster grandparent celebrates birthday while volunteering
Beverly Schleich posed for a photo with some of children that she volunteers with at Kids Campus in Coshocton. She is a volunteer with the COAD Foster Grandparent program and celebrated her 89th birthday with the children on Jan. 31. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Beverly Schleich couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her 89th birthday on Jan. 31 than with the children who attend Kids Campus where she volunteers.
“The kids are a joy to me,” she said. “I love to spoil them especially the babies.”
Schleich is a volunteer with the COAD Foster Grandparent program. She got involved with the organization 20 years ago after she lost her husband.
“It (volunteering) keeps you feeling good,” Schleich said.
She enjoys entertaining the children at Kids Campus, reading to them, rocking them and the hugs they give to show their appreciation.
“The one little girl and boy come up to me and hug me right away, but sooner or later they all do,” Schleich said.
She spends most of her time with the babies and toddlers, but all the children there call her grandma.
“More people ought to get involved with the foster grandparent program,” Schleich said.
In addition to her family at Kids Campus, Schleich also has two children, a grandson, granddaughter and great-grandson. She encourages anyone who wants to learn more about volunteering as a foster grandparent to call Debbie Taylor, program coordinator, at 740-392-6251.
Category: People & Places
