Students extend thanks to special friends

Ashley prsented Georgia Bjornstad with a bag of 100 (Hershey) kisses from her and her classmates, thanking Georgia for the many cards she's sent them over the years.

For over a quarter century, two women have been examples of faith and love for the students at the Anne Carlsen Center for Children. Every birthday and Christmas, students have been blessed with cards and gifts of money from these special donors.

“There have been five or six things in the past six years that I’ve worked here that have made me sit back in amazement thinking of people’s faith and trust in this organization,” CEO Dan Howell said. “The generous giving of these ladies is one. The commitment they’ve shown without ever having visited, or even knowing for sure that the place existed, defines tremendous faith and love.”

Georgia Bjornstad, Fargo, N.D. and Helen McCormack, Des Lacs, N.D., have been faithfully sending birthday and Christmas cards to children at Anne Carlsen Center for Children for over 25 years. Every child receives cards each year, along with gifts of money to be spent however the child wishes.

The two birthday card angels were honored at ACCC’s annual 100 th day of school celebration Jan. 31 with a tea party and various presentations. It was a chance for Georgia to meet the many children she has been sending cards to for so many years. Students presented her with a scrapbook containing 100 thanks yous and many pictures of the students, 100 Hershey’s kisses, 100 thank yous in different languages, and many hugs and joyful smiles.

Although Helen was unable to attend, she sent her love and prayers. “I want you to know how very honored I feel for the invitation to the tea and that it has been a real joy for me to remember all those dear children,” Helen said.

One hundred may seem like a large number to many children but the gratitude of the staff and students at ACCC flows far beyond any number could describe. The generosity Georgia and Helen have shown has touched students and staff alike.

“The kids are always excited to buy something special from these ladies,” ACCC teacher Gloria Jones said. “They use the money to go out to eat, buy a special toy or book, or even to purchase personal items such as shampoo, hair gel, or cologne.”

“The staff enjoys knowing that these ladies have thought of the kids and that they think the kids here are important,” Chief Operating Officer Marcia Gums said.

“Many people send donations but the consistency and period of time that these ladies have been sending cards sets them apart,” Gums said. “They give to the kids personally and so the money can be used for whatever the students want.”

Georgia and Helen started sending the cards for different reasons, but each woman’s love for children and desire to help others was a common thread.

“I have no idea why we (Georgia and her husband, Edward) started sending cards,” Georgia Bjornstad said. “We both just loved children and I think it was just natural for us to think of the Jamestown kids and do something for them.”

They first learned about the ACCC through a neighbor, Lori Sims, who worked at the Center.

“I’m so thankful Lori worked here (at ACCC),” Georgia said. “If she liked the kids here, I liked them.”

Georgia has continued to send cards even after her husband’s death four years ago. Her cards have been consistently arriving on each student’s birthday and Christmas for over 20 years. She said she loves receiving the thank you notes and updates from students and especially enjoys the way each child signs or puts his or her mark on the thank yous.

Georgia sends love with each card and knows the joy they bring, but she also recognizes the learning experience the gift of money can provide.

“I think it’s good for children to get money that is their own so that they can learn to handle it,” Georgia said.

Helen McCormack is a retired teacher, having taught elementary school for eight years and Title 1 reading for 20 years. Helen’s cards, along with a gift of money, have brought joy to each student at ACCC on their birthdays for over 25 years.

“Everyone enjoys getting mail,” Helen said. “And even if you don’t understand it, you still look for the mail. That’s one of the reasons I started sending the cards.”

Helen has no direct relation to anyone at ACCC and has never visited the Center. Even without ever meeting them in person, the children at ACCC are held very close to her heart.

“I have known some of them (students at ACCC) a long time, from the time they were a baby until they are 20 sometimes,” Helen said. She said she enjoys news from the students as well, and especially pictures.

"I really enjoy it (sending cards) and it's good for me and for them," Helen said.