Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County and the Guardian ad Litem Program will host their seventh annual StoryBook Village at the Mounts Botanical Garden on Sunday, March 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The village contains approximately 15 StoryBook Booths offered by foster agencies, child service agencies, young children educational agencies, literary organizations and others. Approximately 2,000 books will be available for adoption. Special this year is that children will enjoy the Lego exhibit at the Mounts Botanical Garden, located in West Palm Beach on Military Trail across from Palm Beach International Airport, along with face painting, photo ops, stories, activities and other exciting happenings.
“Each booth will present a storybook related to our 2022 theme, Where the Wild Things Are,” said Ellen Kranzler, the event chair and volunteer child advocate. “Last year’s StoryBook Village was What I Want to Be When I Grow Up. We had a great community turnout and continue to grow each year.”
Events like StoryBook Village are so important to the community, said Coleen LaCosta, executive director of Speak Up For Kids.
“The children we serve have experienced some of the worst types of trauma imaginable. When a child victim of abuse gets to forget their circumstances and feel normal — even for just one day — that ignites a spark of hope.” LaCosta said. “We are thrilled that the Mounts Botanical Garden recognizes the importance and allows us to bring the community together and multiplies that hope.”
Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County is the nonprofit fundraising arm for the Guardian ad Litem Program of Palm Beach County.
Guardian ad Litems (GALs) are court-appointed volunteer child advocates. They come from all walks of life, but they are united in their commitment to the most vulnerable children. No child should have to go to court alone; volunteer child advocates stand up for them and become their voice. The court places great weight on what the GALs have to say. If you want more information on how to volunteer, e-mail christie.geltz@gal.fl.gov or visit www.galpbc.org.
