TOOLKITS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN

I am an Occupational Therapist working at a children’s hospital in Philadelphia. I work with kiddos dealing with a number of neurological disorders. I also volunteer at the local homeless shelters but have not been able to because of COVID-19. When we reached out to shelters, we realized how desperate the children and parents were for anything to stimulate their hands and minds to cope with the pandemic. As a therapist, I don’t want these kids just to cope with this trauma, I want them to have the opportunity to play and just be a kid.  I decided to make Toolkits for children and families living in homeless shelters!

We have over 500 families with children aged 3 months to 18 years  living in shelters in West Philadelphia. Each family is only allowed two bags for personal belongings when entering a shelter, which leaves little to no room for toys, games, or activities. In addition, the children don’t have access to safe outdoor play and the parents are struggling to get through each day. I collaborated with social workers, therapists, parents, and homeless shelter staff on what items to collect and started putting the word out to family and friends. 


EVERY DONATED KIT INCLUDES:
>>self care Items
>>gross and fine motor activities 
>>craft supplies and brain games 
>>stress management activities 
>>resources for parents and kiddos 
>>books
>>instructions on how to use the tools 

*Each kit costs around $25 to assemble*

Over the last few weeks we have been collecting donations and purchasing items off of the Amazon Wishlist! The generosity and compassion from the community has been astonishing, considering these are challenging times for everyone. 
However, we are in our LAST WEEK  of collecting donations and still need to raise $7,500 in order to make a Toolkit for ALL 530 families in need! I want to make sure no family gets left behind & need your help!

I have been so passionate about working with this population for years, and now more than ever I am determined to help make sure these kids know they are supported, loved, and have the chance to be a kid! Not only will these kits foster play, development, stimulate their brains, support social emotional skills and learning, but they will provide some relief for the parents, bring joy and smiles, and show these kids that there are people from all over the world that care about them. These children deserve access to childhood basics like crayons and books. 

 These children have faced many hardships, experienced trauma, and often have academic challenges and developmental delays. I have been astonished by all those reaching out to support healthcare workers fight this pandemic on the frontlines (we appreciate it beyond words) but I have been deeply moved by the generosity and compassion the community has demonstrated towards these families facing homelessness. Let’s keep the movement going and reach our goal of providing a toolkit for ALL 530 families in need. Each family with share ONE toolkit! 

Let’s ensure that no child gets left behind & has the chance to be a kid.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my mission, share it with others, or contribute to the cause. Please only contribute if you are able, as I know these are difficult times for everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Together, I believe we will be able to reach every family and spread kindness. 


Stay safe and healthy!
Together we can get through this.