The October, 2003 Citizen of the Month is someone who extended her arms and heart to children in need. The Citizen of the Month will be presented to Orleen Peterson at the Rapid City Council Meeting on Monday, October 6th at 7 p.m. in the City/School Administration Center located at 300 6th Street

Orleen Peterson has been a lifelong seamstress, starting at the age of three. Within the past few years, Orleen has been busy making toys for children for the Cornerstone Mission, South Park United Church of Christ and the Community Action Program. Orleen says she wanted to make a difference somewhere and decided to start with the kids. She pays attention to detail at every stage of the toy construction and has literally made hundreds of dolls and animals over the past few years. Orleen has children in mind when she sews at every stage of the construction, from the size, material, to the stuffing which is popcorn (no beans for kids to stick up their nose thereby eliminating a trip to the doctor’s office!)

Annie Island of the Cornerstone Mission, says that “contributions such as Orleen’s help make holidays special for homeless children. Orleen puts a little piece of her heart into each doll. The time and effort she puts into this project is incredible. The kids are excited to get a toy of their own, especially one created with lots of love. “Orleen also sews pencil bags for kids in need from General Beadle, Knollwood and Bergquist Elementary Schools.

Orleen and her husband Jim have no children of their own but she loves to sew for kids and is busy sewing for the upcoming holidays. Orleen is retired from the alterations business she ran for many years and her husband is retired from Barber Transportation. Orleen says she loves to keep busy and doing something for kids in need to help brighten their day.