|
Loads of Love
This idea wasn’t completely original although it has gained quite a bit of popularity since beginning in Clay County. Simply put, there are many children in our community that are impacted by poverty and lack of necessities – one of those being access to clean clothing. Sometimes we don’t make these little connections and realize that it’s a huge task to ask students to focus and learn when they aren’t getting their basic needs met to ensure they can function and perform in a school environment. This problem isn’t unique to our county, but I figured out a way to help ease the burden for folks. During a Loads of Love event, parents and families receive a bag with quarters and laundry materials to wash and dry a load of laundry. We set up at the local laundromat and distribute information about the DEC program which allows us to provide these services as well as snacks, resources, and some hope along the way. This event gives us the opportunity to engage and truly hear from these families needing a little extra support so we can continue meeting their needs. After all, if we’re not willing to put ourselves in their shoes and take a moment to listen, we’re probably missing the mark.
Sunshine Closet
What are laundry materials good for if you don’t have any clothing?
This whole project began with a vision. I honestly had no idea how I was going to make it happen, but I had the motivation and passion to see it through. I’ll never forget looking at the endless piles of laundry that I saved from going into a landfill scattered all over my living room and wondering why on Earth I decided to take on such a large task. That feeling was very temporary because although I questioned my sanity, I never questioned the mission, and I had already started so there was no going back. I washed and dried clothes until my dryer broke and begged the director of my coalition to let me turn our lobby into a closet (my request was very sugar-coated although I never doubted her support). After weeks of sorting clothing by sizes and building shelves, I had brought that vision to life and the Sunshine Closet was open to serve families needing a little extra help and love. Since opening, the closet has remained fully stocked in every size from newborn to adult sizes. Donations vary but we typically have shoes in most sizes, hygiene products, diapers, new socks, books, toys, and baby items. Since opening in March, the closet has served 80 families. We’re a small county so that number means the world to me. With no access to clothing in our town, I know this project is a valuable resource and I hope to continue as long as I’m able. At the end of the day, it’s all about meeting people where they’re at.
| 
