As population of homeless children increases, so have efforts from Project Night Night

After reading a 2012 article in 280 Living about Project Night Night, Anne May decided she wanted to help.

“Seeing how much my own grandchildren love stuffed animals, books and blankets, I knew it would be a needed comfort to abused and homeless children,” she said.

May contacted Julie Wahnish, the Project Night Night volunteer featured in the article, and the two met and stuffed tote bags with a security blanket, an age-appropriate book and a stuffed animal for infants to 18-year-olds that were delivered to Safe House of Shelby County. It started May’s regular work with the group, which led her to a startling revelation.

“Through our contacts with various agencies, we found out the need was greater than either of us would have imagined,” May said. “Unfortunately, there are thousands of homeless and abused children in our area.”

May said that in 2010, Alabama ranked 47th in the nation regarding the well-being of children. In that same year, almost 4,000 children were found to be abused and neglected in Jefferson County and over 1,300 children were in foster care in Jefferson County.

In 2012, May, Wahnish and other volunteers provided more than 500 Night Night bags to shelters, group homes and crisis centers. Already in 2013, May said the organization has provided more than 700 bags.  

“We now have 20 clients that we serve, including Jessie’s Place, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes, First Light Shelter and Hannah Home.”

May said the all-volunteer organization is still actively trying to make a positive impact in the lives of children in unfortunate circumstances and depends on donations of these comfort items from the community. Many times, volunteers purchase items themselves to complete the requested tote bags. Donations of gift cards to local stores like Walmart and Books-A-Million help them keep up with demand.

Checks made out to Project Night Night must go to the national corporate office. The corporate website is projectnightnight.org. Send local donations or items for Project Night Night to Julie Wahnish at 78 Hawthorn Street, Birmingham, Ala. 35242. Donations to Project Night Night are tax-deductible.

For more information, contact Julie Wahnish at 532-1782 or send an email to Projectnightnightbham@hotmail.com. Visit projectnightnight.org for more information on the organization.