Gillian Sheridan’s broadcasting career spans 30 years; 20 of those in East Texas. She is currently the 6 pm and 10 pm anchor at KYTX CBS19 in Tyler. Over the years, she has come to truly understand the saying, “The meaning of life is to find your purpose. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

It was through her TV Anchor position that she began working and volunteering to help East Texas foster children. Over the past 16 years, she has done hundreds of stories on local foster children in hopes of finding them a forever family. Her weekly TV segment is titled Children are a Gift and she appreciates CBS 19’s ongoing commitment to help improve our community. She notes, “It is the greatest joy of my job and a blessing to meet all of these precious children who have the potential to be our future leaders.”

Thanks to East Texas families, a majority of the children Gillian has profiled have found the love they have so desperately dreamed of in a permanent home. “Seeing a smile return to child’s face once they find their forever family is unforgettable and so moving to play even a small role in it. Once a child feels safe and loved the changes they make are remarkable.”

Over the years Gillian has given of her time to a number of organizations that help foster children including: Azleway Boys’ Ranch, CASA, Hope for 100, Christian Homes and Family Services and Hope Haven of East Texas. She’s also been involved with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County for more than 10 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors. Many of the children she profiles in her weekly report receive help from the Children’s Advocacy Center in Tyler.

Gillian’s passion for helping children became very personal in 2010 when she and her husband, James, adopted two beautiful baby girls just 4 months apart. Gillian says, “They are an answer to many prayers and I love them dearly! I can’t even imagine life without them.” 

Impacting the life of children is one of the most rewarding experiences that moves Gillian to continue giving back in East Texas. Playing off of a well-known quote Gillian says, “To the world you may just be one person, but to a child you may be the one who changes their world.” Not everyone can adopt, but Gillian believes everyone can give of themselves in some way to help and support a child.

Gillian Sheridan’s Children are a Gift report airs every Tuesday night on CBS 19 News at 6. For information on an East Texas foster child waiting to be adopted contact Gillian at gsheridan@cbs19.tv.

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