Family pictures for those in need - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Family pictures for those in need

By: Kate Pabich
kpabich@cbs4qc.com

It's that time of year to break out the Christmas sweaters and pose for a family picture, but for a lot of families it's just not in the budget, but one church is trying to change that.

It's a world wide event going on its second year here in the QC. It's called Help-Portrait, and it's helping to capture some special moments.

It started with a photographer in California wanting to give back to the community and now the idea has spread not just from the Pacific to the Mississippi, but all over the world. Jason Holtgrewe with Connection Church says family pictures are very important.

"Some of the families haven't had their pictures taken in 6 years as a family and some have never had their pictures taken as a family."

Saturday Connection Church paired up with some local photographers to take some pictures.

But before any family got in front of the camera, they hit up the hair and makeup stations.  Each family walked away with 2 framed portraits, but a third was also printed off. The families were asked to write what the picture means to them, and for some volunteers like photographer Jesse Inskeep, it makes all the work worth it.

"Last year some of the messages that came out people that were homeless or it was the first picture they have ever had taken of themselves or the first family portrait and that's what was the best part."

The church said about 35 families came through today.