First Two Set-ups of This Week

There's no time for many words (or proofing!), but here are some sweet pictures from Monday's set-up at Westwood Transitional Village.  Claire Chapman and her two beautiful girls, Chloe and Mila, joined Karen and I for this set-up.  This was their first visit to the apartments and they did a phenomenal job on the little boy's bedroom and needed so little guidance.  The girls put their hearts into making this room very special and it shows.  Born decorators!

Chloe looked at each and every book before deciding exactly where they should go.

Check out the little rug she's sitting on.  Karen found it at Target for $14.99!  

It completely changes the feel of the room.

 Here's little Mila smoothing out the bedspread making it just perfect.  

 Still working on the books!

 I love this arrangement!

 I can't imagine a little boy not loving this room.

 The master bedroom.  I'm sure someone recognizes their donation!

Fruit (courtesy of Paulette Rapp) always makes a nice centerpiece.  

Susan Lovell started the practice of leaving a welcome note for the incoming families and 

we've continued this tradition

The living room.  Magazines on the table are a welcome addition and our discount rug! $12.99 at Target.  Remember, if you see any small area rugs ($20 and under), 

pick them up for us and we'll reimburse you.

We had another set-up today at Venice Community Housing's transitional home for moms and kids.  Ildy Lewis and Pia Christensen came along and it went quickly thanks to their help.  Ildy tackled the kitchen after spending some time with the on-site social worker, Carmen Navarro.  Ildy has volunteered to teach cost-saving, nutritious cooking classes to the ladies at Venice and they're really keen to get started. 

Sophie Kipner dropped off some wonderful clothes that a colleague of hers at work brought in for this set-up.  They were clean, folded and in great condition...just the way we like them.  Plus there were some toys.  Perfect donation!  It's always worth talking to friends and colleagues; they may have something we can use!

Here are a few photos from today, starting with this heartfelt letter from a Fourth Grader at Topanga Elementary School and his little handmade 'Cutie.'

  A welcome letter from Topanga to Venice.

 The Mom and her 10-year old son will share this bedroom.  Little boy on top and Mom below. 

I hope they're comfortable and feel safe

There wasn't a bedside table or a chest of drawers...only the bunk bed and some shelving in the closet.  Hopefully the Mom will be bringing some furniture with her.  Here are some great things for the little boy, including a new lego set (thank you Lizzie Kipner).

And tomorrow, October 7th is one more set-up at Westwood.  Pictures to follow.  We've had loads of folks come forward to help at the set-up, though some may not be able to make it due to root canals and wisdom teeth issues! Isabel Freeman, Linda Mann, Mary Morley, April Hinkle and Janaki Welch have all volunteered.

Our Open Bin will be ably handled by Annie Gabbert, Catherine Grasso and Teresa Royer.

Thanks, ladies!

And next Tuesday, October 8th is one more set-up at Westwood.  

If anyone can help, let me know!

And let's all send our very best wishes through the ether to Karen and Foster as they

wing their way to a much-deserved holiday in Hawaii 

and then on to more adventures

in The Philippines.

Bon Voyage!!!