Stock The Shelter
Diapers and Dollars Donated
By Sarah Stokes
Caring hearts from all over the Chippewa Valley got behind a new effort to help the babies and moms who are escaping homelessness in the new shelter for women and children that just opened this month.
The “Stock the Shelter” effort was born on the morning of the ribbon cutting for Hope Gospel Mission’s new Hope Renewal Center for Women and Children. The homeless shelter provides a safe, stable place for single moms struggling with homelessness and addiction.
When asked what the shelter most needed, in addition to the rest of the capital to run the shelter operation, the executive director said, “Diapers, wipes, the daily medicine cabinet needs of kids who will need a little extra TLC when they come in.”
The leaders of three businesses answered the call immediately and made the new effort happen. STOKES|HERZOG Marketing + Consulting owner, Sarah Stokes, decided to start a social media fundraiser, and Northwestern Bank Presidents Jerry Jacobson and Tracey Smiskey offered a $2,500 match to what was raised online.
Donors exceeded that amount, giving $3,385! Donations will now come out to nearly $6,000!
The second layer to the “Stock the Shelter” effort gave folks an option to donate new diapers and other toiletries and needs at Down to Earth Garden Center and Hope Gospel Mission. Together the online and in person efforts are giving the shelter a huge boost as it welcomed its first five children into the Hope Renewal Center this month.
Today’s check presentation will bring the three businesses together at the Hope Renewal Center to celebrate the community’s kindness. “The hearts of this community are truly golden. We can all find a small way to help the lives of these little ones as their moms get the help they need. Knowing they will have a clean diaper is the foundation of a better day for these precious souls,” said Sarah Stokes.
Thank you to Hope Gospel Mission, Northwestern Bank, Down to Earth Garden Center, STOKES|HERZOG Marketing + Consulting and to all the other donors who made it possible!
