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SALT LAKE CITY — Child abuse survivor mentors those like him at Christmas Box HouseSALT LAKE CITY – This year, Utah's three Christmas Box House locations have taken in 1,400 abused and neglected children, giving them food, shelter and even basic healthcare.
These children also receive counseling and compassion from a man who has experienced their same fears and uncertainty.
At age 6, the Utah Deptartment of Child and Family Services took Eric Churcher from his parents' home, which he described as, "not necessarily a house, more like a motel. We were constantly moving — no stable living arrangements."
Churcher, 21, said his parents abused drugs, him and his three siblings, ages 5, 2 and 1 at the time. They were living in filth when the department removed them from their parents' custody.
"They actually put us in a van and I sat in the back seat. I cried a bit," Churcher said. "I remember just being confused as to what was going on."
Churcher didn't know if he would stay with his sisters and brother. But a teacher at Salt Lake's Christmas Box House calmed his fear.
"She got down on her knees and she said, 'You know what, I'll be your friend.' It was the sweetest thing for a little kid to hear," Churcher said.
He saw a Christmas tree when he arrived that autumn day 15 years ago. Depending on the month, it could have Thanksgiving or even Easter decorations.
"Christmas is a happy time," Churcher said. "We want the kids to see the happy, bright colors, and the open, welcoming environment."
And just like the other kids, Churcher got a blanket.
"It's followed me throughout the years, 15 or 16 years now. It's always been that stable thing."
The blanket has been Churcher's cape and fort, too. Like many kids, he had his first-ever dental checkup at the Christmas Box House.
Now, Churcher counsels those kids.
"It creates a different bond with the kids when I'm able to say, 'Hey, I've lived this. I know what you're going through. I don't know how you're dealing with it, but I've experienced it, so let me help you,' " he said.
Churcher gives them hope for adoption into loving families, like he and his siblings got, together. He said the Christmas Box House saved his life.
"I really can't describe how grateful I am for it," he said.
The Christmas Box House is in need of volunteers, simply to read to or tuck in the dozens of kids it serves and saves at any one time.
"We do everything we can to make it feel like home, like their space, like they're always welcome there," Churcher said. "It's really wonderful."
The Christmas Box House can match $3 for every $1 donated. Visit www.thechristmasboxhouse.org to see a wish list for immediate needs like gift cards, clothing, toys, and hygiene kits.
