It ’ s something to lighten the load of loss . We really wanted to give an experience and share our knowledge with raising funds while serving our families .
A child gazes at Christmas lights as her family drives through the Camp Rock drive thru line . The drive-thru Christmas light extravaganza stretches over a mile and has thousands of lights .
Camp Rock of Georgia Foster Agency staff members prepare stocks for children and families celebrating the holiday season with the camp .
Each attendee received breakfast , lunch and desserts while opening a Christmas present with others .
“ It was kind of like being in a dream world . The reason we wanted it to be so specific and so magical is because everyone in that room had either lost their family or were serving people that lost their family ,” he said .
The holiday event has now transitioned from a state-wide celebration to a more regional event on the camp ’ s campus at 4007 Rocky Ford Road . But it still draws visitors from the Atlanta , Columbus and even Florida areas . One year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic , Watkins and the agency ’ s staff began planning the regional event that would draw community members together for fundraising opportunities , while offering something special to the families they serve .
December 2023 | Valdosta Scene 29