If there ever was a good way to be disappointed, this was it.  Two days before our planned "invasion" of Sheltering Arms in Ocala, there were 12 kids.  The day we arrived, all but 4 of the kids were able to go back home. Being home for Christmas is the best place to be.

Kids at the shelter were removed from homes with domestic issues and placed in the care of Sheltering Arms.  Once the home situation improves, the kids can go back to their parents.  Sheltering Arms does its best to create a home environment and you can see from the pictures that they do a good job of it. 

During Christmas the shelter runs short of toys.  The krewe had a Toy Drive for them at Empire Winery on December 8th.  Then the Saturday before Christmas, 11 krewe members and friends headed to Ocala in a caravan of vehicles and motorcycles to drop off the toys.  We spent time overwhelming the kids that weren't able to go home. We beaded them, gave them small toys and lots of attention.  Their dining room was filled with toys to put under the tree for Christmas. The shelter usually has additional kids dropped off over the Christmas holidays as the stress of the season hits their parents.

Sheltering Arms takes in kids from infant to teenage.  If you have cloths or toys you want to donate, they are located at 3500 SW 34th Ave Circle in Ocala.  That is less than 2 minutes from I-75 at the SR 200 exit.  You can call them at 352-291-2900.

Arriving in multiple vehicles (including John and Steve on motorcycles). We got "pirate ready" in the parking lot. Our guests, Marie and Todd, joined in the fun.

Laura, Jackie and Lori stand by a couch that resembles a pirate ship. We fit right in.

Sheltering Arms makes every effort to provide a calm and safe environment for the children.

Group photo time again. The kids had a blast with the "pirates" and talked about them for days.