Fundraiser Aims to Provide Abused Kids With Necessities

Published by the Columbia Tribune - Matthew LeBlanc                                                                  November 29, 2005

           

Fundraiser Aims to Provide Abused Kids With Necessities

As shoppers rush to stores to buy the latest in games, electronics and toys this holiday season, at least one Mid-Missouri charity is reminding Columbia residents that some kids need simpler things - such as socks, underwear and pajamas.

Rainbow House, an area emergency shelter and outreach program for abused and neglected children, is asking people to donate those items from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 22 at Caroline & Co., 311 S. Providence Road.

"Whereas most children take underwear, socks and pajamas for granted, Rainbow House kids are extremely grateful for even the simple things," said Jan Stock, Rainbow House executive director.

The clothing drive, dubbed Socks, Undies and Jammies for Kids, marks the third year the charity has partnered with Caroline & Co., a Columbia staffing service.

Stock is asking that donations include "tasteful" and "color-or-design-appropriate" pajamas, slippers, underwear, pull-ups and diapers in any size.  Residents of Rainbow House range in age from infants to 18-year-olds.

"We get school and play clothes all the time, but what a child wears underneath or to bed people just don't think about," said Ron Graves, director of development at Rainbow House.  "For a child that comes to us with nothing, these basic items can be so important."

Rainbow House serves 350 to 450 Mid-Missouri children annually, according to a news release announcing the clothing drive.

For more information on Socks, Undies & Jammies, call Santa's C & C helpers at 449-3109.