AN INTERVIEW WITH NELDA MCQUARY
"What led you to becoming involved with giving to Cherokee Home for Children?"
"While attending Texas Tech we worshipped at the Broadway church, who sponsored the Children’s Home of Lubbock. We would go out on some Friday nights to house sit, at a certain cottage, giving the house parents a night out. We were particularly drawn to two boys, perhaps about age 10, and the faculty allowed us to take them to my parent’s ranch in Coleman for weekends. Of course they were our pride and joy.
Fast forward maybe 20 years, our adopted son was rebelling school, discipline, most guidance and everything we tried. He did happily spend his junior year in high school at Medina Home for Children but refused to go back even though he excelled and was happy there. I felt so much gratitude for the time he was there and for the staff that made the care possible.
These experiences with the dedication of unselfish staff dedicating their lives to children, gave us the heart for helping Cherokee Home for Children. My husband, Richard Zipp, found no greater joy than going to Cherokee Home for Children and visiting with every child he could. I will carry on his legacy."
“What have you taken away from your experience visiting with the staff and kids at Cherokee Home for Children?”
"I see the children’s happiness and confidence every time I go to Cherokee. They share their plans for the future, and sometimes choose to stay there rather than visiting with other biological family on holidays. The staff is incredible – joy and love flows from each of them."
"Would you encourage others to get involved with and support the work of Cherokee Home for Children? Why?"
"I do encourage others to become involved with Cherokee by taking them to personally visit Cherokee, by telling others about donations of personal or financial assets. I wear my Cherokee Tee shirts and caps , encouraging others to inquire about Cherokee Home for Children. I believe others will want to support the Home if they only become acquainted with the care of children given there."
"Anything else you want to say?"
"These are very dangerous times for all children. Satan is fast at work to capture the minds of the youth through government, schools, and social media. We must bring God to every child we can, and Cherokee Home for Children is one way to do that."
Nelda McQuary
Mary Meadows' Testimonial
Mary Meadows, Sojourner
"Actually, Jerry Don and Helen are who got us started volunteering at Cherokee when we first became *Sojourners. They told us it was the place to go and we keep coming because they were absolutely correct. We have taken away, long lasting, love and friendships. We have seen Christians loving on children who are displaced from their families, which gives a new strong meaning to the word love and the fruit of the spirit. Great examples!! Yes, we encourage others to be a part of the Cherokee family by giving and volunteering because we believe in you and what you are doing. All the staff is so giving and do a great job."
An Interview with Bill Yick
"What led you to becoming involved with giving to/volunteering at Cherokee Home for Children?"
"I had no knowledge of CHC until I was called by Kaci to come tune an antique piano that had been donated. I did what I could for it but it was not in good condition. I donated a better one for them and then only later discovered that it was a Sojourner destination and I signed up for it."
“What have you taken away from your experience visiting with the staff and kids at Cherokee Home for Children?”
"I am impressed with the love and care that is shown by all the staff and house parents."
"Would you encourage others to get involved with and support the work of Cherokee Home for Children? Why?"
"Yes I would. It is a great way to serve God and the children who need a nurturing safe place to grow and learn more about Jesus and his love."
Anything else you want to say?
"Thank all of you at Cherokee for having us as your guests and allowing us to serve in this way. We receive much more than we give."
