By Kristy Wood | Executive Director
I’d like to share a story with you about a child that recently came to Community Warehouse with his family. After helping to select basic items for their new apartment, we heard this young boy say, “Now I don’t feel so poor.” His experience is a powerful example of how the Warehouse is providing so much more than beds: we are truly changing lives. Community Warehouse is able to make a difference for these families because of donors like you and all of our Global Giving Beds for Kids supporters. Thank you!
Since the beginning of 2011 through May 31st, we have collected and distributed 320 twin and double beds with mattress, box spring, sheets, blankets and pillows to families with young children. Some of our busiest months are in late summer and early fall, as our partner agency case managers work to get families into the Warehouse before school starts. We are gearing up for this period by trying to collect as many children’s beds as possible. Last year, we were able to clear the wait list for families requesting a twin and double beds during every month except for August and September. This summer our goal is to ensure that all the children who visit the Warehouse head back to school in the fall with the improved health and self-esteem provided by a bed of his or her own.
We continue to focus on getting the word out about the need for donated beds for families with children. Our annual CHAIR AFFAIR event in April was a huge success and an opportunity for over 400 guests to learn more about our needs including hearing directly from a client who benefited from our services. In May, we launched a new radio campaign to raise awareness and have already seen an increase in people delivering their items to the Warehouse as well as requests for donation pick-up. Thanks to our expanded truck route schedule, we are able to keep wait times under two weeks, although there are still limits on our capacity to collect donations. Our next big step is expanding our Westside location into a larger space for both donation collection and client services. We have identified a great location and are close to finalizing the details!
Can you help us spread the word about Community Warehouse to friends, family and neighbors in the Portland metro area who may be moving, downsizing or remodeling and let them know that a bed for a child is our top requested item from families? We are particularly low right now on twin sheet sets. Our Facebook page is also a great place to direct potential supporters and includes some videos of the Warehouse. Thank you again for all your support.
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