How often do we find that our garages and closets have turned into storage units for our families clothes, toys and baby items? I am definitely guilty of driving around months, bags in my trunk, with the intention of eventually dropping them off! Though Goodwill and Salvation Army are usually the first that come to mind when most people think of an easy place to donate, what many don’t know is that there are many others options around Palm Beach County where we can do the same while directly assisting children and families in need.
One foundation that assists in processing and packaging requests from social and other aid workers is Kids Kloset. Their mission is to provide children and teens with standard packages that consist of 3 complete sets of clothes as well as a hygiene kit. Packages are distributed on a weekly basis, with requests totaling over 3,000 each year. Kids Kloset is run out of Trinity Church located in Palm Beach Gardens and they are always accepting gently used clothes from newborn-adult sizes in addition to toys and children’s books. If you are interested in donating, items can be dropped off at both St. Peters UMC in Wellington and Trinity Church UMC located in Palm Beach Gardens.
For details visit: www.trinitypbg.org
Another location to keep in mind when donating is Grandma’s Place, a shelter located in Royal Palm Beach which provides a home and care to children who have suffered abuse and/or neglect and have been removed from their own homes by the Florida Department of Children and families. Serving ages birth-12 years old, once stabilized the children are placed with a foster family or family member. Though at the time Grandma’s place is not accepting any toy or clothing donations, different non perishable food items are needed in addition to many other items that can help the children while in temporary care. For a full detailed list visit www.grandmasplacepb.org
A few other locations around Palm Beach County:
• Friends of Foster Children: A non- profit facility providing services, support and education for foster children Location: 4100 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach FL 33409 Contact: 561-352-2540
• Hannah’s Home: A shelter housing pregnant women and newborns. Contact: 561-277-9823
• Joann’s Cottage: A faith based maternity home which provides comprehensive care for young mothers and mothers to be. 9078 Isaiah Ln, Palm Beach Gardens Contact: 561-775-7195
• Place of Hope: A faith based children’s organization providing family style foster care
9078 Isaiah Ln, Palm Beach Gardens Contact: 561-775-7195
What better reward than to know that your items are going to a good cause rather than just getting lost amongst a large pile of random donations, many of which will eventually be discarded. The next time you know anyone looking to donate their gently used items please share this list and comment with any others that I may have missed. No donation is ever too small!
