Palmetto is one of those quaint Georgia towns that just seems to ooze family and good will.

Within the city limits is an organization that makes family a reality for many troubled and abused kids.

The Georgia Baptist Children Home in Palmetto recently threw open its doors for a Christmas open house.

According to Kelly Howell, administrator of public relations for the home, the facility serves as a safe haven for 60-70 children each year in the South Fulton region.

The home offers temporary shelter, food and clothing for children that have been removed from their families by the Department of Family and Children Services or by different courts.

Across the state, the childrens' homes serve more than 1,100 children, and Howell said the Christmas open house is a way for the organization to show its ministry to the public.

Throughout the building, different trees are dedicated to the different services provided by the home.

In the conference room, the angel tree is dedicated to foster care and adoption services, while the director of communications office features a "Christ the king" tree.

This tree is dedicated to the Phoenix program, which is for youths struggling with substance abuse.

Howell welcomes all the support from the community she currently receives, but is always eager for more residents to get involved in helping the ministry. For information, phone Howell at the home.