Puppet Power rocks to raise funds

Puppet Power, a children's ministry led by puppeteer Charlotte Reed, will hold a Rock-A-Thon fundraiser from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Assembly of God Church on Koch Avenue. The plan is to rock in a chair for 24 hours.

Puppet Power has grown since 1985, when Reed got the idea from her 8-year-old son Randy, who was returning from summer camp.

She latched onto the idea that puppets were helpful in telling stories and used it to develop a children's ministry.

Children "remember probably 90 percent when you use visuals," Reed said.

The puppeteer travels throughout Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee delivering anti-drug and moral messages to children with a team of puppeteers she trains. She has performed at birthday parties, Christmas productions, schools and nursing homes.

Funds raised at the Rock-A-Thon will fund at least part of the team's trip to Branson, Mo. The trip's mission is to perform a puppet song in competition at the Kidz-n-Ministry Conference with the Assemblies of God this December. The support the team receives will help the continuation of puppet ministry that shares the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For more information, call 335-4456.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133