The Operation: STITCHES program is a 90 minute fun-packed, educational program designed to keep children out of gangs, off of drugs and in school. Through object lessons, pledges, games and songs they are instructed how to live a better life through the preaching of God's Word and by the example set forth by others.
The program is an interactive one, which rewards with toys for children that actively participate. Although every child will receive something by the end of the program, children are taught the more they participate the bigger the prize. The children are taught to respect property, obey their parents, stay off drugs, respect others, stay out of gangs and to be proud of who they are.
The program involves guest speakers, such as police officers, ex-gang members, athletes and entertainers. The children love when their favorite guest is there: STITCHES, an ex-DINO-gang member who is now cleaned up and teaching others how to live a life with a purpose to fulfill their dreams.
The Site
The site is strategically located within each inner-city housing community in order to draw the maximum amount of attention from surrounding residents. This is where the actual change begins to take place. We are bringing fun-packed, educational programs to these children within their own community.
The site allows us to reach out to children in an environment they are comfortable in while also reaching their families. "Operation: STITCHES" has been consistently going into Fort Worth's inner city housing communities since September 1994.
The program is presented to the same site at the same time and on the same days each week. "Operation: STITCHES" is currently being presented at eight different sites within the Fort Worth area, with plans for additional sites in the future.
All are welcome to come and join our "Operation: STITCHES" mission to show our love to all the children.
The Give-Away
The "Big Toy Give-Away" is where we see the love shine through these children. Some of these children have never received a brand new toy in their entire life.
Everyone receives something during the program because everyone is a winner at "Operation: STITCHES" The Big Toy Give-Away" presented at the end of the program builds anticipation and excitement in the hearts of every Child.
To participate in "Operation: STITCHES" every child must fill out a registration form each week. When the big moment comes a worker picks out the names at random for the biggest and the best toys we have that week.
The "Big Toy Give-Away" is a major portion of our expenses because it includes our funds allocated for toys, candy and literature. The children are motivated to pay attention to questions, participate in games and recall object lessons because they must be actively involved in the program to receive a new toy. All children receive a snack at the end, because everyone is a winner at "Operation: STITCHES".
The Trailer
The STITCHES trailer is packed with toys, games, candy and puppets. This trailer is pulled directly into the inner city housing communities of Fort Worth by a large truck.
The trailer is the heart of the program because it is the tool that allows us to take our message right in to the center of the action. It is colorful and equipped with a mega-sound system. It opens up into a 16-foot platform stage.
The trailer always attracts attention as it is pulled through the inner city housing communities prior to the program inviting all to come and join the fun. The trailer rolls in "rain or shine", letting the children and families know that they can always depend on "Operation: STITCHES".
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