Submitted by Diane Formoso.
By this weekend, 2,910 filled backpacks have been picked up by the schools. We continue to shop for school supplies and pack the backpacks for distribution. Early Learning has requested supplies for sixteen classrooms. That included 256 pencil boxes,420 glue sticks, 330 scissors, 440 spiral notebooks and 180 crayons. Our biggest fear is not being able to get enough supplies to fill their order, or have enough supplies for our year-round school supply bank. With the shortage of school supplies, we have to shop daily to purchase the school supplies we need, if they are available.
We received a donation of 247 adult tennis shoes. We will be distributing them at Springbrook Connection, Tillicum Community Center, Arrowhead Kids First and the Nourish Food Bank at the Methodist Church.
Since school has started, the clothing bank orders are increasing. In the last two days we have received 30 orders. Emergency food packs are being given out. They include a canned meal, cup of soup, a can of fruit, package of instant oatmeal, fruit chews and a protein bar. McDonald gift cards are going out to homeless families.
Our volunteer team worked all summer long to provide basic needs to the community. Clothing, food, hygiene products, toys, books and crafts were given out weekly. We are now preparing for the Holiday Fair in December.
Unfortunately, like everyone else, we have not been able to hold fundraisers. We could really use support from the community to continue on with our effort to support our kids and families in need. If you would like to donate or purchase toys for our Holiday Fair please contact Diane at 253-279-9777 or email carekids@comcast.net. The money we raise goes directly to support our efforts.
Diane, you are tireless in helping our children. You have a special place in Heaven already reserved. Thank you for all you do.