Mom Plus Eight

Well, Wednesday's set-up was exhausting but made so much easier by Karen's solo herculean organizing stint earlier in the week, joined by Mary Morley a couple of days before the set-up.  I helped by sorting through children's clothes that we already had and then took some of our TWC funds and bought new underwear and socks for all the kids.  Isabel Freeman and Pia Christenson sorted through books, toys and stuffed animals, enough to make the kids feel like they each had something very special.  Wendy Skolfield, who has been working more hours than there are on your clock, stopped by at 10:30 P.M. the night before the set-up, with enough groceries to last this family a good while.  My husband helped her unload her car and 18 bags later (EIGHTEEN) they were done.  Thank you SO much Wendy for ensuring that there will be food aplenty for this needy family. Annie Gabbert brought cleaning supplies and much needed paper goods to help with the set-up, Teresa Rosati brought sheets and a nightie for the oldest daughter while Marlene Franz brought two sets of sheets for the kids. Thanks to all of these ladies for responding to the call because besides being physically exhausting, this set-up has seriously depleted our container of items necessary for creating some semblance of home for these needy folks.

Teresa Rosati, Paulette Rapp, Mary Morley, Karen and I gathered outside the bin on Wednesday morning and started loading our cars...ALL FIVE of them.  That's right, no carpooling for this set-up.  Karen had wisely called Westwood the day before asking them to make sure that two of the fellows who work there were free to help us unload and carry stuff from our cars and up the stairs to the apartment and help us they did.   It was a hot day and we were all pretty exhausted afterwards, but as you'll see from the pictures, I think it turned out pretty well.

Before I post the pictures, I want to let you all know a few things.  Karen got a phone call last night from Westwood Transitional Village...a veteran (mom) and her five-year old boy had been moved in to an apartment, an emergency move-in, earlier that day. We would like to pack bags of items and take them to her on Monday since we were unable to do a set-up for her.  Can anyone help with this?  Karen also got a call that she's got a set-up at Venice Community Housing on Monday so between Venice and Westwood and organizing for both of these move-ins, she will be uber-busy.  I will be gone for the next month and it is imperative that Karen get as much help as can be offered from our volunteer base. 

We wanted to send out a special thank you to all of you who have ordered Mother's Day cards and an extra special thank you to Noelle Berman for all she has done for us for the past two years.  The color copying work that she has given to us on vellum paper is an amazing contribution.  This is an expensive process and we are so appreciative of her continued support. Thank you, Noelle xo. 

Susan Lovell's release party was really a beautiful afternoon and great fun.  Thanks to Janaki Welch and Catherine McClenahan for joining Karen and me at this event.  It was very generous of Susan to offer to share some of our proceeds with TWC, but it was also a wonderful platform to share with others just what TWC does.  We met some terrific people there who I hope will become an active part of our mission.

Don't forget Marlene Franz's art show this coming Saturday.  She and other artists are donating a share of their sales to TWC.  Please gather at Marlene's beautiful home for a wonderful afternoon of art, community, conversation, wine and tea in honor of Motherhood and to benefit...us!  If you haven't yet ordered a Mother's Day card, they will be on sale at this show as well as assorted packs of our beautiful greeting cards. If anyone can help Karen on Saturday for an hour or so, it would be most appreciated.  Please call her at 310.455.1929.

Saturday, May 7th, 11 AM - 6 PM
2076 Hillside Drive in Topanga
310.455.2298

And don't forget that TODAY is OPEN BIN day with Lisa O'Laughlin between 10:30 and noon.  We are super low on everything after yesterday's set-up so whatever you could contribute will be accepted with gratitude.

And here is photographic evidence of Wednesday's major set-up!  I'm sure many of you will see items that you've donated!  Again, many thanks to all of you who helped.


The girls bunkbed

 The boys' bunkbed

 

 The big boys' beds


                                                                                                         The older sister's bed

The Mom's bedroom that she shares with the baby

 

The kitchen.  Every shelf was filled.  Wendy Skolfield, thank you!!!!

                                                                   The dining area

                                                     Living Room looking into Dining Area