What happens when we mobilize the caring power of community?
You answered that question on Thursday at the 13th Annual Shelter Shower; in only three hours, the community showered SafePlace and Family Support Center with over $19,000-worth of items they needed to support families in crisis. Diapers, towels, laundry detergent, gift cards, children's books and so much more piled up at our door.
Your generosity is unprecedented and humbling. It was so amazing to see all of you drive up, drop off and show your support of those in need.
Thank you to our volunteers who masked up, gloved up and wore their holiday best. We can't do this work without you.
If you missed Shelter Shower, it is not too late to give. You can coordinate the drop off of a gift by calling United Way at (360) 943-2773 and arranging a drop-off date OR by donating to United Way here.
"Our hearts and our shelves are full! Thank you so much for providing the much-needed supplies to help us care for our shelter guests. I am amazed and inspired by your generosity," said Trish Gregory, Family Support Center of South Sound and Pear Blossom Place Executive Director -
"Shelter Shower is one of my favorite Holiday events. It is always well-organized, the community shows up in full force and showers our families with much-needed items, and the whole atmosphere is fun, festive, and joyful…even at a drive-thru event!," said Maija Glasier-Lawson, Family Support Center of South Sound and Pear Blossom Place Development Director.
What does Pear Blossom Place do with the donations? "After the Shelter Shower, our team quickly divided the items into three general piles – one for our oldest and largest family shelter, Pear Blossom Place, one for our new family shelter, and one for the families we are serving who are currently staying at hotels. Immediate needs were filled at each location and the rest of the items went into storage to be distributed over the next few months. Between the three locations, we are serving 35-40 families, children and their parents, on any given night. It is great to be able to give a mom a full box of diapers and wipes, provide a family with basic items like laundry soap and hygiene supplies, or even give folks new, fluffy pillows and fresh and brand-new sheets and blankets for their bed when they move into a shelter. The Shelter Shower allows us to do that and more during a time when families could really use a little extra help."
Again, thank you for your incredible support. LIVE UNITED!
From all of us at United Way of Thurston County.
Thank you to our event sponsor, FORMA Construction!
Click on the video below to hear from SafePlace and Pear Blossom Place about how your Shelter Shower gift will make a difference.
For more information, please contact Lindsay Fujimoto, Director of Volunteer Programs at United Way of Thurston County, 360-943-2773 x116
