Operation Orphans, Inc. Boys Fishing
Operation Orphans, Inc. held a Fishing Day for boys who are wards of the State, April 13th. 69 boys from seven child residential homes participated. Homes represented were Sweeten Home, Brownwood; Gulf Coast Trades Center, New Waverly; West Texas Boys Ranch, San Angelo; Fosters Home, Stephenville; Texas Boys Ranch, Lubbock; Presbyterian Home, Itasca; and Big Springs Ranch, Leakey. The groups came in Friday afternoon and enjoyed playing foosball, pool, dominoes, cards and ping pong in the Milton and Janie Jordan Building. Groups also played basketball, tag and football outside. Saturday morning the groups had to impatiently wait for storms to pass before they could head out to various ranches to fish. Local ranches hosting the eager fishermen were Ewing Ranch, McHale Ranch, Reardon Ranch, Lazy H Ranch and Zesch Ranch. The winds howled and the temperature was chilly but the groups did enjoy catching some fish. Perch, bass and catfish were enticed to bite worms and artificial baits. The groups returned a bit early due to the cold weather, but enjoyed a meal of fried fish, French fries and hushpuppies.
A Fishing Day for girls will be held April 27. All fishing is catch and release unless the landowner states otherwise. Operation Orphans, Inc. directors, camp supervisors and other volunteers serve as fishing guides. It is a great opportunity to spend time with kids in the outdoors sharing knowledge and fish tales! Since the fishing program began in 2004, 1070 youngsters have participated.
During the weekend, Jackie Dukes, President of Safari Club International Hill Country Chapter, presented Operation Orphans, Inc. President Jim Pond a check for $2,500.00. SCI Hill Country has been a supporter of the Operation Orphans, Inc. hunting and fishing programs for several years. Operation Orphans, Inc. greatly appreciates the support of SCI and others who so graciously donate.
Operation Orphans, Inc. will have four deer hunts during the 2019-2020 season. A girl’s hunt will take place October 26 and boy’s hunts will take place November 16, December 7, and January 11. Please visit the Operation Orphans website: www.operationorphans.org to get information, sign up to host kids or serve as a guide, or to donate.
Operation Orphans, Inc. is a 501©(3) organization dedicated to serving less privileged children by offering opportunities to hunt, fish and enjoy the great outdoors.
