Former First Lady Melania Trump celebrated Christmas with the foster care community, saying the holiday should “inspire hope and compassion for all.”
Melania Trump and her husband, former President Donald Trump, hosted close to 100 foster kids at the Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida, over the weekend.
Fox News reported the children decorated gingerbread cookies, hand painted ornaments, got their faces painted, met Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoyed a storytime reading with Todd Zimmerman, author of the book series titled, “Oliver the Ornament.”
“I’m happy to share in the festivities with the foster care community at this very special time of year,” the former first lady told the outlet.
She added, “My dream is that when Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus talk to a child at our event, those wonderful words, together with the activities and fun of the day, create beautiful lifelong memories.”
According to Fox News, children of all ages had the opportunity to jump in gingerbread bounce houses and speak with Santa about their wishes for Christmas.
The children were reportedly joined by their parents and local leaders from Place of Hope, 4 Kids, YMCA and the American Association of Caregiving Youth.
“Since leaving the White House and returning to the private sector, my resolve to promote the well-being of children and strengthen the foster care community has not wavered,” Melania Trump explained.
She continued, “I’m pleased that two young adults received full college scholarships and started school this semester because of ‘Fostering the Future,’ and I look forward to all they accomplish.”
Boca West Children’s Foundation Executive Director Pamela Weinroth issued a statement to the outlet, saying the Trump family has “always supported those most vulnerable in our community.”
Sharing how she celebrated Christmas as a child, Melania Trump said, “Our warm home was filled with the aroma of my mother’s freshly baked cookies as I helped decorate the tree with lovely decorations we had collected over the years.”
Additionally, she shared that during Christmas, her “mother’s artistic attention to detail shined, adding joy and love to every aspect of the celebration, from the elegant gift-wrapping to the exciting storytelling and beyond. Later, we would make our way into town, meet Santa, and enjoy the Christmas spirit.”
For 2022, Melania Trump said her family’s message is “this year’s Christmas season should inspire hope and compassion for all.”
She concluded, “I wish that as the holiday and new year approach, people in our wonderful country and around the world will be blessed with security, peace, and love, as well as a dedication to helping one another and giving back.”
In February, Melania Trump launched “Fostering the Future.”
Melania Trump’s Be Best initiative works to secure educational opportunities and scholarships for foster children.