Volunteer spotlight - Lisa A

We have so many volunteers who make Holly House possible. Today we will take a moment to focus on just one of them.

I met Lisa today at storage. Every couple of weeks she brings us a van load of toys, pajamas, stocking stuffers, clothing - whatever she thinks our kids will like. I asked her one day why she does it and she said, "It's just what I do". Oh Lisa, God will bless you mightily if He hasn't already! 
Thank you.  ~ Pam

Cabbage Patch doll refurbishing

We had 400 gently used Cabbage Patch dolls donated to us. They only need new hairdos and new clothes and they will be amazing presents for our kids.

I dropped in on the knitting group at Edmond's Senior Center. I just wanted to be part of the fun. Laughter, giggles, excitement, and Cabbage Patch dolls everywhere. Some had new hairdos, some had new hairdos and new clothes, some were going to the toe and finger repair shop. Others were on the floor, under seats, ready to be taken home for much needed makeovers.

These women are amazing and so talented. Thank you Susie for spearheading what has become a great gift to our kids.
 
Here's a message from Susie, our head "doll lady": "I took 14 dolls to the Edmonds Senior Center and came back with 3. (11 more have gone out) We have a great thing going there. One of the ladies is a beautician and works miracles with the hair, some others make cute clothes, some find darling outfits at the thrift stores. We trade dolls back and forth and supply what else they need that we do and pass it along. I brought one totally done doll home and one that needs shoes. I guess I am the shoe person. Two more are at the body repair person, one having a "knee replacement", and the other having a "pedicure". It's an awesome group!!"

If anyone else would like to take on one of our 400 donated dolls, fix their hair and give them new, bright cute clothes please contact us and we will get one (to as many as you like) into your hands. 

~ Pam Martinez, Director 

New and gently used stuffed animals needed

Have you outgrown your stuffed animals? Are you ready to give them up? Every year we give our kids a stuffed animal in their stocking and one to hug. That totals up to 4,000 stuffed animals every year.

We are on the hunt for stuffed animals of any size and looking like new, even though they may not be. See our Drop off locations tab to find a place to bring your stuffed animals, and give them a new loving home.

501c3 status!

Good morning. This is an exciting time for Holly House. After six years and 3 fiscal sponsors, to whom we are very grateful, Holly House has begun the journey to obtain our own 501c3 non-profit status.

It's been a lot of hard work, big decisions, tons of paper work, meetings, soul searching, planning our goals and the direction we want Holly House to go. But mostly it's challenged us to remember our mission, "to help give our children what they need and to bring some relief to the families."

I am so proud to have been part of an amazing team who have given of their time, but mostly their hearts to help make this happen. Holly House would not exist without our team and the dedicated and caring volunteers we have.

Thank you for all your caring and support. And stay tuned as we continue this 501c3 journey to the end.

~ Pam Martinez, Director

2012 photos show what we do!

There is a photo album on Facebook that shows great examples of what we do at Holly House.

Check it out to see our volunteers in action. We would love for each child to receive:

• 2 stuffed animals
• 4-6 books
• stocking stuffers and necessities (deodorant, shampoo, etc.)
• a hat and scarf
• 2 new toys

 And each family to receive

• a game
• a fleece blanket
• 10-15 items from the gently used section - clothing, toys, housewares, holiday items (both children and adult items. A great way to supplement gifts and provide something for the parents as well)

Hanger sorting party

We had a "hanger sorting" party today and it was fabulous. 

Thank you for all the volunteers and Holly House team who came to help us sort the 100's and 100's and 100's of hangers it takes to make Holly House work. We spread out in the parking lot and with so many hands, had it done in 2 l/2 hours. Thank you everyone for all your hard work.