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 Cindy
went to visit the East Peoria group and its founders and quickly
realized that Lincoln needed this type of program.
She brought back the information and shared it with fellow retired
educator Marla Williams and the two decided to start the process of
becoming an official organization in Lincoln.
Moms Who Care is now in 13 Junior High and High Schools and in
Central Illinois. East Peoria High School, Parkview Middle School in
Creve Coeur, Central Junior High in East Peoria, Bartonville
Limestone High School, Broadmoor Junior High School in Pekin,
Beverly Manor Middle School in Washington, Edison Junior High in
Pekin, Wilson Intermediate School in Pekin, Lincoln Junior High
School, Lincoln Community High School, Chester East Lincoln, and New
Holland Middletown all participate in the program.
It is completely funded by donations, both in-kind and monetary, no
salaries are taken.
Monetary donations are used to purchase items such as
work clothes, tennis shoes, and other items that are not available
in other pantries. School Nurses, Teachers, or School Counselors
often refer students to the program. Any student who receives free
or reduced lunch programs, is homeless, or emancipated is eligible.
On average, more than 800 students a month can “shop” for the things
they need, like basic hygiene items, snacks, and school supplies.
Cindy shared a heartwarming story of receiving their very first
donation. The night that Cindy visited the East Peoria Moms Who Care
group she was sitting with friends, and they simply started their
conversation by asking her what she had done that day. Cindy began
to share what she had seen and shared her vision for what a group
like that could do in Lincoln. A friend immediately reached into his
pocket and handed her $100 and said here is your seed money. To this
day, that friend regularly supports the mission.
Cindy and Marla both are in awe of the support and
generosity of the community. Many area churches, groups,
individuals, and businesses have raised funds or collected items for
the group.
Simply Elegant by Cheri hosted a collection for the group, Logan
County Professionals Network held Purses for a Purpose and donated
the proceeds as well as taking a collection of items. A golf outing
was held to raise funds. Lincoln Women’s Club and the Masonic Lodge
also regularly collect for the group.
There are currently Moms Who Care pantries at Lincoln
Community High School, Lincoln Junior High, Chester East Lincoln,
and New Holland Middletown. These pantries are stocked with various
hygiene items, school supplies, hats and gloves, some clothing
items, and snack items.
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Some wish list items for the High School includes
cologne, perfume, body sprays (Bath and Body Works, Axe, Victorias
Secret etc.), lotion, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner,
toothbrushes and toothpaste, Chapstick, new packs of socks, and
mechanical pencils. Snack items on the wish list include chips,
dried fruit, nuts, and pop tarts.
The Junior High Students wish list includes body sprays, deodorant,
shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, new packs of
socks, lotions, face wash, hairbrushes, and mechanical pencils.
Several students have expressed their gratitude and have even
referred to Cindy and Marla as Angels. One student shared that
before Moms who Care they would have to try to stretch one bottle of
shampoo, one bottle of body wash, and one tube of toothpaste between
five children for the month. Now each child is able to bathe and
brush their teeth daily and they especially love having lotions and
body sprays.
Moms Who Care is different from other pantries because they try to
tailor the items specifically to teens and pre-teens. Teachers have
said “we have noticed such a difference in the kids that visit the
Moms Who Care pantry. They smile more and seem to even do better in
class. The ladies not only provide them with essential items, but
they also show them that there is someone who cares about them and
someone who is willing to provide them with support.”
Moms Who Care also has a Prom Dress Event where they
give away gently used or new with tags dresses, shoes, and
accessories that are donated by community members. Dozens of dresses
in various styles, sizes, and colors are available for young ladies
to try on until they find their perfect one.
Monetary donations can be made to Heartland Bank in
the Moms Who Care Name. There are drop boxes at several locations
including Bryan Clark State Farm, Tremont Bank, UCB Bank, and USA
Mortgage.
If you would like to learn more about the program you can visit the
Moms Who Care Lincoln Facebook Page or go to momswhocare.net.
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