Mesa United Way started collecting new and used clothing for children in foster care after state budget cuts reduced the clothing allowance down to roughly $12 per month last March.
Helen's Hope Chest helps to alleviate some of the financial strain many foster families face when caring for Arizona's most vulnerable children by providing children with basic needs including clothing, baby items, school supplies, hygiene products and basic household items. This project was named in honor of Helen Paula Simmons, 78, a former foster child who managed to raise a family of her own despite difficult circumstances.
Helen passed away in June 2009. Helen's Hope Chest honors her memory with a place where children in foster care will have their own "store" where they can pick out whatever they need at no cost.
Thanks to the generosity of the City of Mesa, Helen's Hope Chest has a home located at 415 N. Pasadena in Mesa. This building has 16 different rooms. Each room will accommodate the basic needs of infants, toddlers, children, teens and young adults.
Rooms will also be dedicated to toys and gifts for special occasions, sports equipment, school uniforms and supplies, and basic toiletries.
For more information on how to donate, or for information on holding a drive for Helen's Hope Chest, please email or call Janine at hhc@mesaunitedway.org or (480) 969-8601.
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