Gear up for Winter

Its the winter morning dance - moms trying to wrap a scarf around their child's neck and pull mittens on their hands, reminding their child as they rush out the door, "Put on a hat, its cold outside!"  Its the little things that are a mother's touch of love as the weather gets colder.  We can't stand at the bus-stop with our hands covering our children's ears, or blowing our warm breath onto their chilly fingers.  Instead, we bundle them up before sending them out into the cold world.

Each winter, the Jeffers Foundation collects new winter gear - scarves, hats, mittens, and socks - to make sure more children can be bundled up by their mothers.  We donate the collected items (all children's sizes, new-born through school age) to mothers in Baltimore city shelters.  Last year, we visited a women's shelter on Baltimore's west side.  The shelter was hosting a Christmas shopping day for the residents; for each child she had with her, the mothers could come through and select a toy gift, a blanket, and a set of winter gear from our Foundation, as well as toiletries for herself.  The mothers were each very thankful as they selected something special just for their child.

One of the reasons I loved this event was because everything was new.  There is a time for "hand-me-downs", and I regularly pass on my still-in-good-condition clothes, toys, and books to shelters and other agencies that request them.  But this was Christmas and doesn't every little child want something beautiful and new and all their very own for Christmas?

We are collecting items again this year - we hope to put mittens on at least 100 pairs of hands this winter.  While you are out shopping, would you consider picking up an extra pack of socks, a warm cap, or  child-size scarf? A pair of gloves or mittens?  Make your donation to the Jeffers Foundation by December 10 by contacting a Board member or dropping them in the mail to us.

Out of the Baltimore area and want to support homeless children in your own area?  We encourage ypu to contact your local human services office, or even your public school and ask where you can make a donation.

Thank you for your support.