Shine and Inspire, Inc. is a non-profit organization, 501(c)3, whose primary focus is providing basic needs to children and their families. With over 700 homeless or displaced children in the Mercer County area, the need is great.
We also learned through Hamilton Township that there are kids that don’t go to school because they can’t afford deodorant and other hygiene items, and that teachers often buy these supplies. This was shocking, and we knew we had to do something about it! So the idea of the “Shine and Inspire Closet” was born….
We fill closets at schools in our community with hygiene items, school supplies, clothing and non-perishable food. Ewing High School was our flagship closet, and today there are over 30 closets across Mercer County (and growing). We also work closely with the homeless liaisons at the Trenton Board of Education and Hamilton Township School District to help children who are displaced or homeless.
Our “Shine and Inspire Closets” are kept filled by generous Community Partners with collection sites across the community, through closet drives held by local organizations, contributions from companies and individuals, and through our fundraising efforts. It takes a village.
Twice a year (Summer and Winter), we also host children and their families at our Children’s Events. They are invited to be our guests for a day of fun, food, crafting, haircuts, a family photo, and learn about the importance of Paying It Forward. Each child goes home with a bag full of essentials – clothing (in the winter includes coats, hats and gloves), shoes and books. It also includes a special present from the child’s wish list. This is possible with the generous support of our community who sponsor these children.
We need the help of sponsors more than ever as we broaden our reach across more schools, children and families. Whether sponsoring individual children for our Children’s Events, or organizations or corporations looking to make a social responsibility impact in their community. Please say you’ll help!