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Theta Omega brightens Christmas for kids
Local womens group for Turlock helps community
Aspiranet Event 1
A young boy got a chance to talk to Santa at the annual Aspiranet Christmas party, which was hosted by Theta Omega. - photo by NATALIE WINTERS/The Journal

Each year Theta Omega, a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and a nonprofit women’s group, raises money to help the Turlock community around Christmas time.

 

Jennifer Watson explained that Theta Omega focuses on friendship, learning and service and is a kinship of like-minded women.

 

“That’s what these sisters are about. We’re not affiliated with a college or university; we just want to help people who need it,” she said.

 

This Christmas Theta Omega decided as a chapter to reach out to Aspiranet, the foster care program in Turlock, and see if they could assist in hosting their annual Christmas party for the kids and families.

 

“We are so fortunate to have them help us out; it’s been a relief on our end,” said Sandra Genova, Program Director for Foster Care and Adoption. “This event is wonderful and it’s so nice that we’ve been able to focus on spending time with the kids and families rather than juggling the party planning as well.”

 

Theta Omega’s Christmas party for Aspiranet took place Dec. 9 at the First United Methodist Church in Turlock and offered the children a fun-filled event with popcorn, pizza, a photo booth, craft tables and of course, Santa.

 

“We knew that the children already had gifts being purchased for them, so we felt that we could help them out by hosting an awesome Christmas party,” said Kerri Carr, Theta Omega sister.

 

“Some of us have kids, work, stay at home… but we all love the sisterhood it brings to us,” Carr said. “We can have fun and give to our community at the same time.”

 

Genova explained that Aspiranet has a couple of events every year where they come together as a family and everyone is able to kind of develop a support system, but also to just say thank you to the foster parents.

 

“We try to recreate happy, positive memories for the children while they’re in our care,” she said. “We can’t thank Theta Omega enough for what they’ve done for us. This goes beyond a gift.”

 

“It’s so nice to be personally involved with the kids and see their smiles first-hand,” said Jennifer Watson, President of Theta Omega. “This was such a team effort and we hope to continue to help with this event in the future.

 

“The sorority is a great social outlet for some, but it’s also the ability of being able to give back that’s so rewarding,” she said.

 

For more information on Theta Omega, to get involved, or to reach out about a need in the community, contact Watson at 202-0459 or WatsonTeachFirst@gmail.com.