Sunday, September 13, 2009 is Grandparents Day.  Create your own celebration or join with others around the country as candles are lit to honor grandparents and other caregivers who are raising children left without caring parents.  These are selfless caregivers, many of them seniors choosing to bless these children from broken homes by taking them into their own home. 

The following states are choosing to honor these kinship caregivers and children by hosting events this coming weekend:

Texas:  A candlelight vigil will be held in Colleyville, Texas in the Library/City Hall Plaza, Sunday evening, September, 13 at 7:00 honoring those grandparents who are raising children left without caring and nurturing parents.  They also will recognize children who have been denied access or a relationship with their grandparents.  Also honored will be those grandparents who participate fully with their families in encouraging, loving, helping and contributing to the lives of their grandchildren.  Prayers will be given in thanks for the sacrifice and contributions of the selfless individuals and couples.  Contact chapter leader Gail Gallagher at gailg@cnonline.net.

In Wichita Falls, Texas, Friday, September 11, there will be a gathering at the Wichita Falls elementary school from 8:15 to 3:00 that will consist of grandparents and foster grandparents.  Activities will include playing games as well as prayers for both grandchildren and grandparents.  For more information contact chapter leader Tommie Beck at Tommie@grandparentsforchildtx.org. 

North Carolina:  The North Carolina Chapter is sponsoring a candlelight vigil at the Jamestown Church of God on September 13 at 11:00 a.m. Please contact Carol McRoberts at mauricemcroberts@yahoo.com. 

Illinois:  A Grandparent Day celebration will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 2-4 p.m. at the Trinity Community Church of Berwyn.  There will be guest speakers and children performing.  Refreshments will be served.  For more information contact:  Adrian Charniak at  708-442-3984.

Minnesota:  On Grandparents Day, chapter leader, Joyce Williamson will be hosting an open house in honor of all of the grandparents in Tyler, Minnesota who are raising grandchildren and those who are denied visitation.  The celebration will be held at the Senior Center.  For more information contact Joyce at jw_mnstrep.gr4childrenrights@yahoo.com.