Big Surprises!

I got two wonderful birthday surprises on Friday. The first was a card from the shelter telling me that my college roommate, Sara, donated money to them in my honor for my birthday. How cool was that?? Then, I received a check from my dad for me to buy much needed items like underwear and socks for the kids. I had fun comparative shopping today before I delivered another big load.

Today I took 5 suitcases, 8 tote bags and backpacks, 36 pairs of new socks, 13 pairs of new underwear, 5 teen girls shirts, 6 infant and toddler outfits, 27 baby onesies, 5 coats and jackets and a pair of pajamas. Not bad for one week after delivering a ton of clothes, if I do say so myself.

Besides Sara and my dad, I must also thank the wonderful employees at Mana Health Service and at JB Hunt for gathering items for me. Thanks also to a friend from Tyson Foods and one from Springline Consulting Group. Northwest Arkansas has very caring individuals, as does Washington, DC, where both dad and Sara live!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

new immediate clothing needs

Despite all of the clothing I delivered on Monday, the kids at the shelter still need the following items:

Teen Girls-
Shirts S-XL
Pants size 13 and up
Socks
Panties size 7

Girls-
PJ’s size 5-8
Shirts size 6-12
Pants size 6-8
Socks - medium

Infant girls-
Shirts - 6-9 mo., 12 mo., 18 mo., 2T
Pants - 6-9 mo., 12 mo., 18 mo., 2T

Infant boys-
Shirts - 12mo., 2T
Pants - 12 mo. 2T

Boys-
Shirts - 4-5
Socks - ages 5-10

We need all sizes of sweats for boys and girls sizes 5 and up

Shoes (tennis shoes only, please)-
Infant boys 0,1,2,4,5,7,9,12
Infant girls 0,1,2,3,12
Boys size 5,6 & 8
Girls size 2,3,4,6 & up

I will collect and deliver any items you would like to donate. Please email me at blogtogs@gmail.com.

backpacks, duffels, and suitcases needed

After my trip on Monday I decided I would collect new and gently used suitcases and bags that the kids can carry their belongings in when they leave the shelter. Just last night I received 2 large duffel bags and 4 totes that will be very useful. I scoured my closets and found 3 suitcases and a small backpack to add to the collection. And then a local chapter of Beta Sigma Phi offered to collect bags and suitcases as their service project next month. What a blessing!

If you have anything you would like to donate please email me. To see what is on the clothing needs list, scroll down to the bottom of this page, or click the "links" button underneath this message. And please pass this information on to others!

wonderfully overloaded!

I made it to the shelter this morning and toured the facility to learn more. Look at my overstuffed car!

I took 77 winter shirts, 20 sweaters, 21 pairs of jeams, 36 pairs of pants, 21 jackets and coats, 31 pairs of pajamas, 71 pairs of socks and plenty of underwear, shoes and toys.

Currently the shelter is housing 25 kids, ranging from toddler to teen. Each child receives 7 outfits to keep, so the supply of clothing runs out quickly. When they have suitcases or duffel bags, the kids receive one to carry their belongings. Today I saw 2 children leaving for foster care, and they each had one duffel bag and a trash bag to carry their clothes. I would like to collect bags for the kids, too, because no one should have to keep precious items in trash bags!

Please email me at blogtogs@gmail.com for more information on how to donate clothing, toys and bags.

no go because of the snow

I was not able to deliver the clothes on Thursday as planned, so I have rescheduled my trip for Monday, February 4. Now I have more time to collect a few more items from friends. Please email me if you would like to donate to this load before I deliver it.