Six years ago a vision to help others who lacked the same type of family support that we are so lucky to be blessed with turned into a mission of helping other families. We had simple goals, a small team, and a hope that we would make a difference for a few families.
Now, with 2016 here we can proudly say we've had more than 500 volunteers serve with our organization in some form or fashion. We had 44 of our youngest contributors help transform our first room makeover for 2016 - and the impact this room had on the children helping was profound. It has helped solidify the direction of our organization to continue to forge partnerships with local youth groups (TVIA, Girl Scouts, NCL, and more) to provide opportunities that enable children to help other children in future years.
We are so proud of our volunteer led organization and that fact that we are able to help so many families with very little overhead and no paid staff.
Over the last 6 years Cecily's Closet has completed the following:
- 78 room makeovers with three more in production
- Provided more than 1500 belly bands to children in need
- Recycled more than 500 pieces of medical equipment
- And shared various donations with families in need - toys, books, and lots and lots of love and encouragement through our various book drives & adopt a family programs
There are too many people to count by name but we'd like to recognize
Jon Ray, owner of PaintGreen. for his constantly commitment and support for our organization. Jon and his team graciously donated their time and talent to provide a beautiful backdrop for every room we've ever asked him to help with!
And thank you to our team of wonderful artists with a special thank you to our repeat givers: Inside Emily Dolton's Head, Hannas Murals, Kevin Anderson, Arielle and Sweet Delisa! We love our artists and we are actively recruiting more for future rooms. If you have friends or family that can help - please let us know.
Thank you to our belly band crew! Thank you to Ingrid and her Mom, Jane, Denise, Kelly Wesseln, Jennifer Bayliss, Julie B., and all the volunteers who surprise us with belly bands from time to time. We love that these protective wraps designed to keep a g-tube or j-tube safe are made with love from volunteers and shipped to families in need. We are so proud of the work this program has accomplished! Thank you to Anita for managing the orders, shipping the bands and meeting all of our demands. You are such a blessing!
Thank you to our board of directors who provide the vision and strategic planning for our efforts. What a team! Thank you to Gina, Julie B., Julie D., Christina, Anita, Emily, Kate, Dr. Christine Wood, and Suzy for your hard-work all year long.
We often get asked how can we help? The biggest areas of support for 2016 are centered around fundraising/grant writing and creating our belly bands. We are committed to scaling our belly band and equipment recycling programs next year. We may complete less room makeovers - but we are committed to keeping this program in place, too. So please spread the word!
Ask your employers if you have discretionary funds for non-profits. We find that the smaller corporate donations add up and enable us to keep all three of our programs alive and running!
Cecily's Closet has operated without a paid staff for six years - and it is our mission to continue to operate this way! Every penny received goes directly to fund our programs. We have very little overhead costs.
Thanks for believing! Let's see what we can do in 2016!
Onwards and
upwards!