WOODLAND PARK – Ute Pass Regional Community Paramedics and the Woodland Park Professional Firefighters nominated the Medlocks as a family in need of community support this holiday season.
In addition to seven biological children, they’ve adopted six siblings and have been struggling financially.
But thanks to their community, their Christmas got a little brighter.
“It’s a hard time of year for everyone of course, but for us because we have so many that we do the holiday for,” said Nancy Medlock, mother to all 13 children.
Their family is almost as big as two families put together, and that’s because it is.
“It’s a lot. You know, because we have 7 biological, some grandkids, and on top of that we adopted six kids,” Nancy explained.
The siblings first came to them from foster care.
“They were going to stop splitting them up, there were so many of them. and we had already had them for two years, and we couldn’t see that happening,” said Nancy of why they decided to adopt.
Since they’re still recovering from severe trauma in their past, therapy is a must.
And that can mean up to $13,000 a month per child.
Even with stipends, it’s hard to make ends meet.
“You stop and scream and you do whatever it takes to get the help you can get, you know, with DHS (Department of Human Services) and all of that because they’re worth it,” Nancy said.
That’s when the Woodland Park Professional Firefighters stepped in, providing gifts for the kids.
Nancy said her family was “very, very grateful, I mean, that’s – you know, wow.”
Her husband Gary Medlock said “that was a wonderful thing, to have gifts brought to the kids.”
From Jenga to Play-Doh, to some Zebra Cakes – these kids have all the Christmas treats they could ask for.
And even more importantly, a family to share them with.
Nancy added, “Even though we’re going through a such a hard time right now, there is hope.”
The Woodland Park Professional Firefighters told me they plan to continue finding ways to support the family.
The family told me they also want to thank Community Partnership, their community church and the Woodland Park School District for donating gifts and really just helping their family in any way they can.
