Group seeking donations to take 20 youth to Disney World

Published 1:28 pm Thursday, November 15, 2018

DALTON, Ga. — A group of local residents wants to “snatch the dreams of our youth and make them come true,” starting with a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.   

The group known as Dream Snatchers is comprised of Kistina Easley, Debbie Madden, Jasmine Madden, Kalitha Johnson and Keith Johnson and is seeking to raise $10,000 to take 20 youth ages 7 to 18 and eight chaperones to Disney World Nov. 23-25.

“One dream we know many kids have, but aren’t able to ever make it a reality, is going to Disney World,” a press release states. 

The cost is about $400 per child which covers transportation, food, the hotel, a Magic Kingdom ticket and a T-shirt. 

“The kids won’t have to pay for anything,” Jasmine Madden said. “We would also like to give them money for a souvenir.”

Earlier this week the group had received about $2,500 in donations, with pledges of more. Donations — any amount is appreciated — can be made in person to any group member, by PayPal at proudmommy74@gmail.com or on the Cash App at $Disneyworldtrip. Receipts and the option to write off the donation for tax purposes are available.

Jasmine Madden said the youth were selected by members in the community and the Dream Snatchers members. 

“Those selected have not been to Disney before and probably won’t get an opportunity to go,” she said.

She said the group plans to leave Dalton on Friday, Nov. 23, spend the following day at Disney World and then return that Sunday. They are renting two 15-passenger vans.

“When the gates open Saturday, we’ll be there,” she said. “We’re going to stay until the park closes, we want everyone to get the full Disney experience.”  

Jasmine Madden said although donations are relatively low right now she believes the trip will happen.

“We have donations coming in from places we didn’t even expect and lots of pledges,” she said. “This is all my mom’s (Debbie Madden’s) vision, she brought it to the table and we rolled with it.”

Keith Johnson said he believes “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. If God gave us the vision, it will come to pass.” 

Johnson said the Disney trip will be the first of many events planned.

“I hope this helps the community come together as one body to make an impact on our youth,” he said.

To donate or for more information, contact Debbie Madden at (706) 270-1825, Jasmine Madden at (706) 280-7592 or Keith Johnson at (706) 229-1630.