CHENEY – Several local girls from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1st Ward are helping mothers and babies at Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery in Spokane.
The girls have helped with poster design, made collection boxes and posted fliers.
On Saturday, Dec. 4, they conducted a drive-through and drop off donation drive, offering hot chocolate and cookies to participants.
Although it was a chilly morning, the drive was a success, according to Kate Rogers, a 17-year-old volunteer.
“It was cold, but it was worth it,” she said.
The cold did not stop residents from dropping off items as the day progressed, 11-year-old Emma Nielson said.
“After lots of hard work, our food drive was a success,” she said. At first, not many people had come from the community. So, when people started showing up, we were all grateful.
“Soon, there were so many donations we were running out of room and space to put them. In the end, we had gotten a lot more donations than we had expected, and we know lots of kids will be thankful for all of the donations.”
Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery Excutive Director Amy Napton Vega said the work the girls are doing matters.
“Vanessa Behan operates because of the generosity of our community. Groups, like the LDS members, that collect diapers, wipes, formula, food and other important items allow us to focus our attention on quality care to children and their parents,” she said. “There is no better time of year for our children to feel the support of our entire community coming together to ensure they are cared for today, tomorrow and throughout the entire year.”
Another girl who participated, Tess Fillmore, 15, said she enjoyed being with her friends and helping people at the same time.
“I think it’s really fun that we could all get together, even in the snow, to do something good for people,” Fillmore said. “I really enjoyed being with my friends and helping people who need it.”
The church’s Young Women president, Jacy Rogers, said “the young ladies collected over 360 pounds of food and supplies within two hours.”
They also have leads for more donations and will be taking all of the items to the Vanessa Behan nursery before Christmas, she said.
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