Our goal is very simple: to help every child be clothed, clean and groomed and properly outfitted with school supplies to enable them to look like their peers and adequately perform their school work so they’ll be less likely to be targets of derision and ridicule. Studies overwhelmingly show that children who don’t feel they fit in are more likely to do poorly in school, drop out altogether or get into mischief or in trouble with the law. We hope that by boosting their self esteem and dignity they’ll graduate from high school, go on to further education and ultimately obtain meaningful, sustaining employment.
We opened our doors on September 2, 2006 and to date have served over 900 children.
We are open Wednesday evenings from 5-8 and Saturdays from 10-2.
We are located (for the moment) at 9004 – 184th Ave. E. in Bonney Lake, directly in front of the Bonney Lake Library. We will be moving to another location in early 2008 and will provide more information as the time approaches.
Greatest needs always:
- Socks and underwear for both genders and all sizes. New ONLY.
We ask specifically for boxer shorts for adolescent and teen boys as that’s what “the other” kids wear.
For the girls we try to find something pretty and feminine.
These days the kids prefer the shortie socks although regular ankle socks work too.
- Boy’s clothing, especially jeans for boys of all sizes including large teen boys. These items may be new or gently used, although we’ve found boys don’t usually do “gently used” but instead wear stuff out before they outgrow it!
- New or gently used kids shoes
- Personal care items in “regular” sizes new and unopened ONLY (unopened travel-size items are accepted for when we have nothing else to dispense to clients):
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothpaste, floss and toothbrushes in both regular and child sizes
Deodorant
Shave gear, razors and cream for boys
Razors and gel for girls
Sanitary pads (we have lots of tampons)
Curling irons, straightening irons and hair dryers – may be new or gently used
New or very gently used wash cloths
Granulated laundry detergent (big boxes). We measure out several cups into ziplock bags to send home with clients
Always appreciated are: Cash, credit card donations (just call me for this service), checks (made out to Bonney Lake Lions Foundationwith a note on the memo line it’s for “Lions 4 Kids House” and gift cards to area retailers. This helps greatly to purchase items we need but don’t have in inventory (such as certain size boy’s jeans or bras for girls).
- Volunteers are always welcome to help at the clothing bank with many different activities and/or work with our client families. I offer monthly training sessions for interested parties. The training isn’t rocket science but does enable us to be consistent with the services we provide.
Please bring your donation to the 10:30 am Sunday Conversation and we will make sure it gets to the kids.
