Message from PADS director

 

Hello to all Site Managers,

 

Welcome to the 2012-2013 Emergency Shelter Season.   The fact that individuals are experiencing homelessness is not something to celebrate.  As one of the PADS site managers recently said, “We are a community even though we do not see each other often or ever”.   Think about that – 4,000 plus individuals all pulling together to support one mission, to provide shelter, meals and supportive services to individuals facing homelessness.

 

The number of guests needing our services this season is huge.  I understand, this is the first year that we have had to turn guests away from our doors because we do not have enough capacity.   We have experienced so many women and children in our shelters that even they have had some turned away.   This breaks our hearts!   We have several pregnant women this season, and many children.   This will be a challenging season.    If you (your friends, family, co-workers, church families, etc.) can help with any of the following, it will be greatly appreciated.

 

Winter Clothing Needs – needed are:

  • Hats, scarves, gloves (warm thick gloves), sweatshirts, long underwear
  • New or gently worn and clean coats.  All sizes, Children through adult XXX
  • Boots, new or gently worn, all sizes.

 

Women and children needs:

  • Diapers, all sizes including newborn
  • Diaper wipes
  • Children's bath soap and shampoo
  • Booster seats (no car seats, please)
  • Newborn girl clothing.  We have a guest that will deliver a girl in the next few weeks)
  • Activity books, stockers,
  • Strollers, in good shape and clean
  • Diaper bags, new or very clean
  • Children, ages 2-10, new undershirts/pants, boys and girls
  • Feminine hygiene products

Shelter Toiletry needs:

  • Mass quantities of clean white tube socks,
  • Individuals willing to wash a load or two or three of dirty socks so that we can keep a clean rotation of socks available at our sites.
  • Toiletries, travel size bottles are the best.  If you use it, our guests use it.  For example, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, body lotion, deodorant, soap bars, shaving cream, razors, shampoo, lip balm (lots), combs, picks, etc.
  • Hand-towels and wash cloths for use at the shelters (no bath towels, please).
  • Individuals willing to wash a load or two or three of dirty towels so that we can keep a clean rotation of same at the shelters.

 

Birthday Cakes for Kids

Birthday Cakes for Kids program is back in play since we have lots of children.  If you are willing to bake or provide a birthday cake, decorated to the child's desire, and  large enough for the birthday child to share with everyone at the shelter, please let us know.  First name on the list, gets the first child, and then we move down the line of volunteers as the birthdays come due.  Usually a one week notice is provided, but occasionally it is less.

 

After School Homewood Program

Calling all retired educators and empty next parents that would like to help children with their homework.   Schedule will be prepared based on number of volunteers that come forward and your availability.  Goal is to provide Homewood help 3-4 times each week at the Chicago Heights office.   Also needed are snacks and achievement stickers for these children.

 

Please contact Dawn Thrasher, Community Resource Coordinator, dawn@sspads.org, 708-754-4357, x 107, with questions.   Donations may be delivered to the Chicago Heights office Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm at 414 W. Lincoln Highway.

 

Thank you,

Dawn Thrasher
Community Resource Coordinator
dawn@sspads.org, 708-754-4357, x 107

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