HAMILTON, Ohio -- The heroin epidemic has caused the number of Tri-State children in foster care to skyrocket.
Agencies are searching for homes, and those homes are searching for resources to make ends meet. That includes Hope’s Closet, a nonprofit that provides clothing for Butler County's most vulnerable children.
Any child in foster care or kinship care is able to “shop" for clothing twice a year (or as needed) by appointment only at Hope’s Closet at 332 Dayton St.
"To see these kids who are coming in every day with nothing, breaks your heart every day,” said Hope’s Closet Executive Director Sarah Coleman. "And then you see these children getting so overjoyed about something as simple as hair bows. Just those simple little things that we do take for granted. They come in and they are truly grateful.”
The store also helps show foster kids that the community supports them — both with material items and through emotional support.
"Our goal is to pour into these kids, reaffirming to them the good choices they're making and how proud we are of how well they're adjusting or their behaviors or great job picking out such beautiful clothes,” Coleman said. "Anything we can do that just shows them they are worthwhile. They're special"
Hope’s Closet has already provided clothes and shoes for 300 kids in 2017. They expect to double what they saw last year and reach 1,200 children by year’s end. That’s why they need help from the community to collect summer pajamas for preemie to age 18, boys gym shoes in sizes 12 and 13, diapers, new socks and new underwear.
You can donate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dayton Street store, Centre Point Church in Liberty Township or Quest Church in Middletown.
To schedule an appointment to shop at Hope’s Closet, call 513-773-4018 or email hopesclosetoh@gmail.com.
