Branches

OF WASHINGTON

INTRODUCING BRANCHES OF WASHINGTON

Branches of Washington is a new initiative created by members of several Washington churches, including The Bridge, intended to help break the cycle of poverty for Washington's families. In conversations with staff at all seven Washington schools, a consistent concern is that many children struggle to make the best of their school years due to a lack of adequate housing, transportation, food, or clothing.

Branches' primary focus is to help the children and youth of our community arrive at school each day ready to learn. While groups like Weekend Snackpac and Moms Who Care are doing great work for our kids, and there are many other groups helping to address families' larger food and clothing needs, there are still gaps.

Branches of Washington exists to fill those gaps and is committed to empowering all kids to succeed in life. While our strategic plans are still in development, we are ready to hit the ground running with some initial strategies. We've created a "home base" in the Sunnyland Christian Church parsonage that will be used to process and stock clothing, hygiene items, breakfast/snack foods, etc. We will then work with our local schools to establish distribution of these items to children in need.

To keep up with all we're doing - follow us on Facebook!

CORE VALUES

INCLUSIVITY - We welcome all children and youth.

ACCEPTANCE - We foster a judgement-free environment.

COMPASSION - We strive to understand the needs of students.

SERVICE - We are dedicated to serving children and youth.

HOW BRANCHES HELPS STUDENTS

FREE TOILETRIES AND CLOTHING

We will be hosting monthly Branches care closets on-site at District 51 schools (Central Primary and Intermediate) and District 52 schools (Lincoln Grade and Washington Middle) during the fall of 2024. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches can participate in this program. Students will be able to choose from free toiletries and clothing every month.

BREAKFAST AND SNACK ITEMS

Branches will supply breakfast and snack items to schools that do not offer school breakfast.

COLLABORATE WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS

Branches will support Wildcat Cares, a free toiletry and clothing program at John L. Hensey School in district 50.

Branches will also collaborate with Moms Who Care at Beverly Manor School in District 50 and Panther Pro Shop at WCHS.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

DONATE

Donate toiletries (standard size shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, bar soap, deodorant, body spray, toothpaste, hairbrushes, combs, etc.).
Donate breakfast / snack items (granola bars, mini muffin bags, cheese & crackers, peanut butter crackers, Goldfish, Cheez-Its, pretzels, NutriGrain bars, etc.).
Donate new or gently used clothing / shoes (children's size 4 through adult medium, basically clothing that would fit pre-K through 8th grade).
If you would like to contribute financially please e-mail brancheswash@gmail.com for more information.

VOLUNTEER

Processing donations and organizing inventory.
Helping to transport supplies to schools (days and times will vary).
Staffing monthly Care Closet giveaway days at elementary and middle schools. You need to be available during school hours and have an interest in working with kids. A background check is required but that's easy and we'll help with that. Days and times are to be determined but should be the same each month, ex: 3rd Wednesday of the month, etc.

If you have items to donate or would like to learn more about volunteering you can contact us at brancheswash@gmail.com

Tip: A great way to help us stock quality used clothing for children in need is to watch for friends and neighbors who are having garage sales. Offer to take any remaining children's clothes they have after the sale. You can also post in your neighborhood Facebook groups before/during neighborhood garage sales offering to porch pickup remaining items. People are usually very receptive to the idea of giving their clothes to someone in need, free of charge, vs. giving them to a second hand store that will charge.

STAY UPDATED

For the latest information on what Branches is doing in our community, and how you can become involved, please follow us on Facebook!

ACCESSING CARE CLOSETS

Beginning in Fall of 2024, all Washington schools will have free toiletries and clothing programs in their buildings. Contact your student's school and complete a permission form. Any student who qualifies for free / reduced-price school lunches can access the free toiletries and clothing resource.

If you have questions or need further assistance please contact us at brancheswash@gmail.com

PARTICIPATING CHURCHES

These are the churches currently participating in Branches of Washington:

Sunnyland Christian Church
Washington Presbyterian Church
The Bridge United Methodist Church
St. Marks Lutheran Church