"THE HOPE CHEST"

The need for The Hope Chest is a heartbreaking reality. Each year, children ages 12 to 18 years old are placed IMMEDIATELY into foster-care following a court hearing for child abuse or neglect. Unable to go home, these children are in need of clothing and other personal items to take with them to their foster-care setting."THE HOPE CHEST" is located in the Pinellas Criminal Justice Center on 49th Street North.

"The Hope Chest" was founded several months ago after Bob Dillinger, who is the head of the Public Defender's (PD) Office and his wife, Kay saw the growing need to coordinate and implement this project. Kay and the staff within the PD Office have turned one of the rooms into a beautiful place for the teens to select clothing, and other needed items, to take with them to a foster or group home. ASK YOURSELF: how would YOU feel if you were that young person? These are innocent kids who have had to leave their home, family and belongings on a moment's notice. Below is a "wish list" and related information.

"WISH LIST":

• A financial donation to the "Beth Dillinger Foundation" and earmarked for "The Hope Chest". This is a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation and your contribution is a tax deduction. The money will be used to pay for shoes, socks, undergarments, clothing and any other necessary items.

ADDRESS: Beth Dillinger Foundation
                   P.O. Box 48533
                   St. Petersburg, FL 33743

• “Gently used” clothing for children ages 12 - 18, both boys and girls
• Toiletries: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, etc. . .

Bring home and donate those free items that are in the bathroom of your hotel room

• Towels and bedding.
• Sport bags, backpacks, toiletry bags and large plastic bags.
• Books and games that are age-appropriate.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
E-mail us at zucelhane@aol.com and we will pick up all donated items at your home.

Your immediate and continuing support is needed and appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to learn about this project. We hope that you will join us in supporting this very worthy cause!

Beth's Closet adds to Hope Chest Published 04/05/2009