At the Plainfield Correctional Facility, Recreation Director Chad Platt had some of the offenders create a dollhouse as part of their arts and crafts activities. The dollhouse, which took about six months to put together, was given to Michael Sparks’ two daughters, Bella and Citaly.

“Many days I wake up knowing I’m blessed to have two wonderful daughters, but still have worry through special days like holidays and birthdays even though it seems like I’m at work all the time.

A week or so ago, I happened to be at the right place at the right time. Just lucky I guess. Katie, at the front desk, saw my girls and I as we were not having a very good day. We stopped into the lobby of HVAF to ask for guidance and as we sat patiently waiting, she (Katie) asked Bella and Citaly if they liked

dollhouses. Of course most three and four-year-olds love to play with dolls. She asked me if we would like to receive a ‘one of a kind’ custom handmade dollhouse. Surprise and elated, we all said, ‘Thank you Jesus. YES!! PLEASE.’ Phew, this could be a deserving Christmas gift for the both of them, I thought.

Pictures did not do it justice. It is more beautiful and much bigger than I had expected . We all took a couple hours and connected as a family while we put it all together and decorated. Loved and fulfilled by a blessing from the heart. We all thank everyone who took part in the dollhouse.”  —Michael Sparks