Matthew 25:35-36 – (Jesus said), “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Gratitude Day 896

Do a quick walk through your house. Or at least a mental “walk” through your house.

First, stop at your closet. Do you see clothes in there to wear? Could you go one or two weeks without HAVING to wash clothes? Basically, for any season? Are there items in your closet or dresser that haven’t been worn in a few months because you forgot they are in there?

And yet, have you ever said to yourself, “I have NOTHING to wear.”

Guilty. This week, as a matter of fact.

Now, take a jaunt into the kitchen. Open the fridge. If you were really hungry right now, could you find something to eat? Check the pantry. How many boxes of cereal do you have? Boxes of pasta? Packages of your favorite snack? Could you quickly feed a small family without much effort?

Check out the freezer. Is there at least one package of food in there that might have ice crystals on the food because it has been in there too long because there were just too many other choices?

How many beverage choices do you have? At least one of everyone’s favorite drink that might have a meal at your house?

And yet, has anyone in your family ever said, “Why do we have NOTHING to eat?”

Our August Our Monthly Resolution organization is one that is committed to helping those kids who don’t have enough to wear. Food to eat. Beverages to drink and personal care items.

The Wisconsin Foster Closet’s mission is to aid families in meeting the needs of children and young adults associated with the foster care system by providing stability, assistance, and compassion throughout their stay. They achieve this by providing clothing, personal care items, and support to these children, young adults, and families in Wisconsin through individual and community partnerships.

When a child enters the Wisconsin foster care system, they often go to a foster family with only the clothes on their back. Nothing else. They leave behind their favorite toys, stuffed animals and pets. It is traumatic for these kids to leave with nothing and be put into a situation where they feel very along and afraid.

The Wisconsin Foster Closet provides resources for foster families. They provide welcome bags, which include basic items needed for personal care. They provide kids with 7 to 10 days of gently used and new clothing. Their clothing closet is open twice a month or by appointment so families can get clothing for changing seasons and growing kids. At Christmas, kids are matched with community members who provide special gifts for them. A spring event and back-to-school event also provide foster kids with additional items that are needed.

This organization started when Tammy Wood Garr became a foster parent and realized the kids showed up at house with nothing. Over time, the Wisconsin Foster Closet has grown and became a non-profit organization so foster families and kids could have a desperately needed resource.

Based in Menomonie, Wisconsin the Wisconsin Foster Closet also connects with similar organizations around the state to collaborate with other groups who support foster kids and families.

We’re excited to fulfill Jesus’ mission to help those who need clothing to wear, food to eat and something to drink. Here’s how you can support the Wisconsin Foster Closet:

Donate online at: https://www.wifostercloset.org/. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “donate” button.

Mail a donation to: Wisconsin Foster Closet, 3375 Kothlow Ave, Suite #40, Menomonie, WI 54751.

If your employer will match a donation, their EIN is: 83-0666835.

We hope that you will join us in supporting this great organization in August. When you do, you are doing just as Jesus asked: providing basic needs for basic people. Thank you for considering supporting the Wisconsin Foster Closet

For those who share with others in need, I am very grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Loving God – Thank you for Jesus’ words to make sure others have basic necessities. May we each look inside of ourselves and determine that we want to be part of the solution for those who do not have such basic things as clothing, care items and food. May we decide we can help those, just as Jesus asked. Amen.

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