Today there are over fifty thousand children in Illinois who have overwhelming obstacles in front of them and who are in great need of inspiration and challenge. These children range in age from birth to 19. There lives have been affected by alcoholism, substance abuse and other forms of abuse in the home. While others would not see the hope in such desperate situations, the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation decided to "Make a Difference" in the lives of these children. Through the foundation, childrens lives are changed in a positive way by boosting their self esteem and giving them a reason to believe that tomorrow can be different.
Working closely with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation has been most active in it's "Holiday Giving Program" (formerly known as the "Wishes for Santa Program") providing presents to at risk children at Christmas time. Each year, tens of thousands of new gifts go out to these children who would otherwise not receive any Christmas gifts. Their goal is to provide each of them with a gift bag filled with at least worth of clothes and toys.
Although the "Holiday Giving Prpgram" is the largest program within the foundation, there are other programs in which the foundation seeks to help neglected and abused children. In addition to programs already in motion, new programs are being iniated to provide children with the tools and oppurtunities to become winners!
