The new, improved and bigger Salvation Army's Zelma George Family homeless shelter opened late last year. Now, the shelter is near capacity with the majority of residents being children.
Jasmine Buchanan and her 5-year-old daughter moved to Cleveland from North Carolina and ended up at the shelter when housing didn't work out. "She didn't have long sleeve pajamas because we didn't have this cold weather in North Carolina," said Buchanan.
Buchanan's daughter isn't alone. Many of the children at the homeless shelter arrive with just the clothes on their backs.
Barb Butler is the program manager at the shelter and said there is a need for warm pajamas for kids. "The children were downstairs and didn't have warm pajamas on. They were in shirts and shorts and I knew I needed to do something to help," said Butler.
Butler sent out an email to the entire Salvation Army organization looking for help. Erin Turner, Director of Advancement, said she had an idea. "I put a call out on the 'Strongsville Mom Discuss It' board, and it literally took on a life of its own," explained Turner.
On Monday afternoon she collected donations at the Strongsville restaurant Tom+Chee. In about an hour, dozens of warm pajamas were collected. "I appreciate it," said resident Kim Washington whose 5-year-old son was in need of pajamas.
The shelter is still in need of warm pajamas. If you would like to help contact the shelter at 216-781-2441 or email Barbara.Butler@use.salvationarmy.org
