‘Store’ allows kids, parents to shop free of charge for clothes and other items

A new “store” that will allow Fayette County foster children to “shop” for clothes and other items is seeking the public’s help in stocking the aisles.

Gracie’s Closet, started by Fayette Youth Protection Homes, is seeking new or gently used clothes, baby supplies, books, gift cards and other items.

Fayette foster children and their parents are allowed to shop the store for free, and part of the goal is to make them feel special while providing them with some of the things they need and deserve, organizers said.

The store is staffed by volunteers and open by appointment only. It is located in the basement of the FYPH office in downtown Fayetteville.

At any one time there are approximately 100 children in the foster care system in Fayette County. Some 90 percent of those children came into care with nothing but the clothes on their backs, officials said.

The store officially opens Saturday, Nov. 15 and will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and also the first Saturday of the month at the same time.

To donate to Gracie’s Closet, call 770-461-7020 to arrange a drop-off time. Volunteers can call the same number to make arrangements to help.

Donations are tax-deductible, organizers said. Plus, they will help FYPH as times get lean, as the state of Georgia has cut foster care reimbursement by 25 percent and normal donations are down.

FYPH operates a group foster home for up to 10 children in south Fayette County for children ages 6-17, with the average child staying eight months. Recently the organization also started “Grace for Childrenf,” a program to enlist foster parents and provide them with support and assistance around the clock.

The store’s wish list includes:

• New or gently used children’s clothing sizes newborn through children’s size 16;

• New socks, pajamas and underwear;

• Shoes;

• Diapers and baby wipes;

• Baby powder, lotion, diaper rash ointment and infant shampoo;

• Baby gear such as portable cribs, diaper bags, infant carriers, diaper genies, etc.

• Baby blankets and baby linens;

• Baby bottles, sippy cups, bibs, new pacifiers;

• Children’s books;

• Children’s toiletries such as toothpaste and shampoo;

• School supplies and bookbags;

• Suitcases; and

• Jackets and coats.

For more information, visit www.fyph.org.

login to post comments