SAN ANTONIO -- Now that school is out, The Children's Shelter said more kids are coming in.
- 56 children staying at shelter
- Only 10 more spots available
- Volunteers needed to spend time with kids
They said there are 56 kids staying there out of the 66 possible spots. The shelter is asking for asking for volunteers to donate their time to spend with the children.
"There's always things that can be done, and children to hug. There's never too many volunteers,” said Betty McLeod.
Four volunteers sat down to share their favorite moments.
HELPFUL LINK | The Children’s Center website
"We know the children that come here have been traumatized so they need somebody that's there just talk to them, hold them and hug them," said Judith Harris.
Harris is a retired teacher and has five kids herself, three through foster care and adoption.
"It's nice to see them come in and be uncertain, crying and not know what's going on, to laughing and clapping and hitting all their developmental milestones," said Michelle Wright.
Wright is getting ready to retire from being a registered nurse.
McLeod, a former teacher, dressed up as Peter Rabbit and went around the room hugging all the kids.
"Later one of the old girls said to me, 'I knew that was you in the costume.' And I said, 'How did you know?' and she said, 'Because he hugged me the same way that you hug me,'" said McLeod.
All of them are there to see them change physically and emotionally.
To volunteer at the Children's Shelter you must be 18 years or older and go through an application process.