Cat's birthday party

Yesterday was Catherine's 11th birthday party and instead of gifts, she asked her friends to bring clothing for kids at the shelter. She was so excited to open all of the gifts of new and gently used clothes. Her friends went overboard and I now have another load to deliver soon. How cool!!

I am overwhelmed!

I emailed the shelter's request to my friends who have donated already, and within 10 minutes of sending it, two of them wrote back that they have a crib, a bed and a dresser to give. How wonderful!!! THANK YOU!!

New critical needs

We recently admitted a 17-year old girl and her two children, a little boy that is 10 months old and a little girl who is almost 3. As you know, every resident that walks through our front door has a different story. This family was doing well, living in an apartment. Due to an unfortunate event, they were brought into foster care. While here, a court-order with information that resulted in eviction was given to their apartment manager. Though the eviction was through no fault of our resident or her children, they lost almost everything that was in the apartment. Luckily, we were able to retrieve some of their pictures, baby books and other sentimental items.

Our 17-year old resident turns "18" next month and will have to leave the shelter. We are therefore trying to get the basics for her and her children. Although we have provided them with some of the items they’ll need, there are still a few things necessary to helping her re-establish her independence. Listed below are some immediate needs:

- Crib
- Toddler bed w/ sheets
- Pillows
- Washcloths/towels
- Dishes/silverware

Since this 17-year old has arrived at the shelter, she has proven to be a wonderful mother. She wants to get her GED and is testing at a 12th grade level in most areas. She hopes to attend college once her GED is completed and has expressed an interest in being a dental hygienist. She is also studying for her driving test. We plan on taking her to the revenue office on her 18th birthday to test. Once she passes, her next need will be a vehicle. This vehicle will allow her to get a job, take her children to daycare and pursue her dream of attending college. We know this is a huge request but hope someone will consider donating a used vehicle that is in good working condition and will be long-lasting.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and generosity in advance. Please forward this to anyone that you think may be able to help. We want to give this teen mom every chance to succeed and know, with your help, we can give her all of the right tools to do so.

Alycia Cortelyou
Case Manager
Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter
479-795-2417

Another successful trip!

I made another trip to the shelter this week and delivered lots of clothes and suitcases! I took 66 pairs of pants, 57 long sleeve shirts, 21 sweaters, 22 pairs of pajamas and 52 pairs of socks, among many other items. The weather here is so pretty that I need to unpack the spring and summer clothes to deliver in April.

Thank you employees at JB Hunt, Daisy troop 812 and members of Beta Sigma Phi for donating so many clothes, tote bags and duffels! I love delivering a car full of gently used items.

More clothes sorted!

I finally sorted 7 huge bags of clothing from a friend and her coworkers, and boy did I get a treasure trove of nice clothes. When the weather in NWA cooperates, I will make the trek to Bentonville and deliver the warm clothes to the shelter. Hopefully next week! Soon it will be time for me to unpack all of the warm weather clothes that I have stored in my attic and deliver them, too.

In an effort to clean Catherine's room, she decided it was time to give away all of her Polly Pockets and Sweet Streets toys. We packed them up and I took them to Once Upon a Child (consignment store) along with some clothes we had. With the $54 in store credit I received, I bought 14 pairs of children's pajamas to give to the shelter and I will buy more soon with the rest of the money. Cat likes that she helped the kids while helping herself in the process. I like it too!

Thank you for your continued support in out effort to provide clothing to the kids at the NWACS!