Funding comfort
For Julie Wahnish, it’s about helping the children. As part of Project Night Night, she provides children who have been victims of abuse, neglect or homelessness with toys and books when many of them feel as though they have nothing else.
“They’re so traumatized and afraid and they’ve been through so much…” the Alabama Outreach Coordinator said. “[Having] that teddy bear or blanket to hold can really be helpful to them and help them to open up.”
The members of Project Night Night fill bags with toys, blankets, books and other comfort items and donate them to shelters, crisis centers, group home, foster homes and other organizations so that children going through difficult circumstances can feel comfort. Although many of their items come from donations to the organization, the members of the group often use their own money to pay to provide enough materials for all of the children.
To help cover the costs and provide more donations, Project Night Night is holding fundraisers this fall and winter.
- Raffle at Mt Laurel Fall Festival. On Saturday, Oct. 11 at the festival, Project Night Night’s booth will feature raffle items such as a handmade quilt and children’s gift baskets. The baskets will be raffled off that night, while the blanket will be saved for their Christmas Shoppe fundraiser, at which a drawing will take place.
- Christmas Shoppe. On Saturday, Nov. 15 the organization is holding an event at Stone’s Throw Bar and Grill in Mt Laurel. Autographed copies of books from local authors including Josh and Wendy Torres, Robert L. Palmer, Charles Ghigna (Father Goose), Jill Glassco and more will be available along with other holiday gifts for purchase.
- Autographed Football Event. Before the end of football season, this event will feature autographed footballs donated by Kellan Winslow, John Croyle and Brody Croyle as well as other football items. Details on date, location and time will be announced at a later date.
The fundraisers are sponsored by a support group of women from Highland Lakes, including the Knit Wits and The Church at Brook Hills Quilting Bees. For more information on the fundraisers or how to donate items, visit projectnightnight.org or call 532-1782.