Dexter, Missouri - Ashlynn Wyman has a heart of gold! Her goal is to eliminate trash bags as an acceptable form of luggage for foster children. When a child enters foster care sometimes a trash bag is the only thing they are offered for their most personal belongings.
Wyman's journey on her latest project, "Luggage for Foster Children" began when she was very young and her grandma became a foster parent. Then about two years ago her mom showed her this video about the life a foster child and it made her realize just how lucky she was to be with her family.
"In the video, the child moves from house to house with her clothes and belongings in trash bags," commented a very passionate Wyman. "I have set up a Luggage Drive at Dexter High School and I really need everyone's help!"
The luggage, suitcases, backpacks or duffle bags will be donated to the Department of Social Service (They oversee the Division of Family Services) so that children will have something of their own to take with them when they go to a foster home.
"Community members please join in!" Wyman said. "If you have anything you would like to donate please let me know and I can come pick it up. DHS Students please bring to school and place underneath the Student Council Christmas Tree!"
There is no deadline for this worthwhile cause. Ashlynn just wants to continue this project and pass on to her fellows classmates and brothers next year!
More than 300,000 kids enter the foster care system in America each year. They deserve better than a trash bag for their belongings. Let's help Ashlynn by donating at least one piece of luggage, backpack or duffle bag this holiday season to help her cause and continue into the new year helping those who are in need!
You can reach her on Facebook by clicking HERE. You can also reach out to the ShowMe Times and we will be glad to help her deliver or pick-up items for donation.
Dexter, Missouri - The 8th Annual Christmas Reading is slated for Saturday, November 26th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at 125 W. Stoddard Street across from Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.
Greg Mathis began the annual Christmas Reading by reading the Second Chapter of Luke in 2009 and has not become a wonderful tradition.
June Coffey, Lisa's mother and Greg's mother-in-law read the Christmas story from Luke 2 every Christmas Eve to their two boys when they were young. It was a tradition Greg decided to share with others through the Christmas reading. Mrs. Coffey passed away in 2015.
“Too often we tend to get caught up in the rush of the holiday season,” Mathis said. “It is simply a reading by a special person in the local community who tells aloud the true story of the first Christmas.”
The event is outside and everyone is encouraged to attend. A special guest will read the story of the first Christmas, but you have to attend to find out who the secret guest will be this year. Also the Crowley Ridge Mennonite Church will once again bless us with their beautiful magical voices.
In case of inclement weather the event will be moved indoors to the chapel at Rainey Mathis Funeral Home.
Greg Mathis has created a website if you would like to learn more about the event, click HERE.
Dexter, Missouri - The XI Lambda Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi hosted the annual Stoddard County Pageants on Sunday, October 9, 2016.
2016 1st Alternate is Adesyn Shelton. She is the 18 year-old daughter of Terrie Hughes and Jason Shelton of Bernie.
2016 2nd Alternate is Ashlyn Stevens. She is the 18 year-old daughter of Tina Embrey and the late Jeff Stevens of Bernie.
2016 Miss Stoddard County Queen is Faith Oliver. She is the 16 year-old daughter of David and Stephanie Oliver of Puxico.
Shown in the photo from left to right are Adesyn Shelton, Faith Oliver, and Ashlyn Stevens.
Submitted photo.
Dexter, Missouri - The XI Lambda Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi hosted the annual Stoddard County Pageants on Sunday, October 9, 2016.
2016 First Alternate is Chloe Thurmon. She is the 13 year-old daughter of Matt and Mindy Thurmon of Dexter.
2016 2nd Alternate is Mia Williams. She is the 12 year-old daughter of Darren and Jodie Burnett and Randy and Leigh Ann Williams of Dexter.
2016 Jr. Miss Stoddard County Queen is Molly Murphy. She is the 13 year-old daughter of Keith and Robin Murphy and Borden Murphy of Dexter.Shown in the photo are from left to right: Chloe Thurmon, Molly Murphy, and Mia Williams.
Submitted photo.
Dexter, Missouri - The XI Lambda Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi hosted the annual Stoddard County Pageants on Sunday, October 9, 2016.
2016 Petite Miss Stoddard County 1st alternate is Landri Grace Baker of Bernie. She is the 9 year-old daughter of Bub and Lisa Baker.
2016 Petite Miss Stoddard County 2nd alternate is Alexa Dillinger of Bernie. She is the 8 year-old daughter of Nick and Cara Dillinger.
The 2016 Petite Miss Stoddard County Queen is Averee Ackman of Dexter. She is the 8 year-old daughter of Trey and Leslie Ackman.
Congratulations Landri, Alexa, and Averee!
Shown in the photo from left to right are Landri Grace, Averee Ackman, and Alexa Dillinger.
Submitted Photo.
