We are fortunate in Douglas County to have Austin's House, the only emergency children's shelter in rural Northern Nevada. It's sad we need a shelter, but on the other hand, providing a safe place for children who have suffered abuse or neglect and giving them the love and support they deserve is a testament to the citizens and businesses in our community.
"Austin's House has cared for over 120 children since opening in September 2007," board member Conrad Buedel tells us. Austin's House is a 5,000-square-foot home built entirely on donations from local organizations, individuals and business sponsors. It is located in a neighborhood and unmarked so that the children have the feeling of home. They are able to care for up to 10 children from birth through 18 andmake every effort to keep the child in the school they are attending even if it is not near the facility. Operating as a nonprofit foundation, they are especially affected by the economy and are reaching out to the community because their pantry is bare.
Last year there were relatively few placements at Austin's House but 2010 has seen an increase in the number of children needing their services and, more importantly, their love. Paula Hennefer of Austin's House shares, "We have been privileged to serve a lot of children in the last six months. Our pantry is pretty empty now. If you could help with a donation, large or small, we would be very grateful."
Any donations can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are also willing to come to you if these hours are not convenient. Please contact Paula directly at 267-6711 for any questions or additional information or to arrange a pickup.
Let's show the children of northern Nevada how much we care. Some of the items on the list are things that are needed on an ongoing basis - school supplies, paper products, garbage bags, computer paper, zipper bags, craft supplies, cheese, and pasta. Why not pick up an extra package or two (or more) when you are doing your regular shopping and donate to the shelter on a regular basis?
Have a ramblin' good week.
Reach Gail Davis at ruhenstrothramblings@yahoo.com or 265-1947.
The following is a list of items that will help them provide for the children:
Food items
Snack bars like Kudos and Nutri-Grain
Crackers
Cereal: Chex, Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Honey Bunches of Oats
Individually packaged trail mix
Pasta and sauce
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Microwave light popcorn
Canned fruit in light syrup
Creamy peanut butter
Jelly and jam
Boxed cookie, brownie or muffin baking mixes
Lean frozen ground beef
Whole frozen turkey breast
Household supplies
Quart and gallon ZipLoc bags
Paper towels
Toilet Paper
Kleenex
Shampoo and conditioner
Small hairbrushes
Computer paper
Clorox, Lysol or disinfectant wipes
Paper napkins
Dishwashing soap
Dishwasher soap
Laundry soap
