A call for help

A fellow adoption mom is putting out the call for help and while I am going to answer it... I am passing the call along to any and all who are still reading my blog and asking for you help too!

"Have you ever wondered how it would feel as a parent to be unable to provide the necessities for your children? What if you didn't know the next time you or your child would be able to bathe with soap? What if your children had to wear worn out, too small clothes to school because you didn't have the money for new ones? What if one small simple toy on Christmas morning would mean the world to your child but you just couldn't afford it?

I know we may not think about it much but there are so many families out there struggling with these very issues, especially now in this economy. This holiday season, I would like to ask you to help me make a difference in the life of a child.

My Aunt is the vice president for PJ's Forgotten Children, an organization in Salt Lake that does Christmas for children whose families are affected by mental illness in some way and are really struggling. Many are in homeless shelters.

"P.J.’s was established as an independent, nonprofit organization in memory of Patrick John Smith, who died while suffering a severe mental illness.

The term “forgotten” refers to those children who are often overlooked because many of their parents are suffering mental illness as well, and are less likely to seek traditional means of help for themselves and their families."

PJ's is a wonderful organization, 100% volunteer and non-profit. The families that receive help from PJ's each year are all submitted to them by mental heath professionals so we know they legitimately need help! I am teaming up with my friend Christine from We are all Mothers to ask for donations for PJ's Forgotten Children. She is participating in honor of her baby son Conner that she lost almost 8 years ago.

I was able to volunteer at PJ's last year putting Christmas bags together for the kids. Each child has a paper that states the child's needs and what kind of toys they like. I was so humbled as I read the request of these sweet children. "my own socks", "a coloring book", "a stuffed animal", "shampoo", "a warm coat" ... They have so little, and we all have so much.

The organization receives donations throughout the year but the number of children they are helping keeps growing (they provided Christmas for well over 1,000 kids last year) they need more help!

I have talked to my aunt and these are the things they are really in need of this year...
*Shampoo/Conditioner
*Deodorant
*Warm Gloves/Warm Coats, all sizes
*Warm Clothing for Boys & Girls 1 year to 18 years, any size
*Socks/Underwear/Warm Sleepwear
*TOYS: Baby Dolls, Barbies, Lego's, Lincoln Logs, Transformer, Bakugan, Littlest Pet Shop, Stuffed Animals
*Games for all ages
*Teen Books for Boys & Girls
*Art Supplies
*Ball (Sports of all kinds)
Of course monetary donations are accepted as well.

They ask that items be new or new condition, they don't need to be in the box or have tags as long as they are in like new shape.

If you want to donate and live in Las Vegas, please drop your item/s off at my house so you don't have to pay for shipping.
1834 Capilano Lane
North Las Vegas Nv 89031

If you live in Logandale you can drop your item/s off at my inlaws (assuming everyone knows where they live since it's Logandale)

If you live anywhere else please mail the donated items directly to my aunt.
Jo Caldwell
7817 LaBarranca Ct.
Cottonwood Heights UT
84121

We ask that all donations be delivered/mailed by November 3rd so the volunteers at PJ's will have plenty of time to get all the children's bags together.

Please email me if you have any questions meka.duane@gmail.com. Thanks for your help!"

And remember: A hundred years from now, it will not matter what your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove...but the world may be different because you were important in the life of a child!