Winter 2011 Holiday Cheer for Children In Need: DUW Spokesperson Mark Wahlberg Hosts Distribution “I just want to thank you on behalf of myself, Mark and our foundation. This weekend we changed lives together. That is an amazing gift to be a part of. I feel so blessed to have played a small roll in this awesome event. Together we have made a difference.” - Jimmy Wahlberg “This is the best Christmas ever,” squealed an 8-year old girl as she watched a helicopter hover above. From the side of the helicopter, Santa’s outstretched arms waved at the 250 children below. As they giggled and shouted, the helicopter landed and the children rushed to be near him. The day had been full of wonderful surprises. Radio Disney played upbeat music from Hannah Montana and Justin Bieber, children showed off their dance moves from the electric slide to break dancing, and volunteers handed out gifts from Dignity U Wear, Timberland, New Balance and the Taco Bell Foundation. wardrobe was evidence that this was not just any ordinary Christmas party. “I have never had my own clothes,” she stated in a matter-of-fact tone. “I share with my mom.” She then pulled aside her jacket to reveal a threeinch hole in the side of her wornout sweater. “I can’t believe you gave me a NEW sweater!” The children participating were part of The Boys and Girls Clubs in Massachusetts and the party was hosted by The Mark Wahlberg Foundation. In addition to sweaters, each child received a pair of jeans, khakis, a winter coat, scarf, hat, underwear, socks, three shirts, and accessories from Continued on Page 3 The joy and tears in the eyes of one of the pre-teen girls as she received a New Balance duffle bag filled with a complete new www.DignityUWear.org l 888.364.1305 Ahavni’s Story “Becoming a mom is a very exciting but stressful time in a woman’s life, especially when it’s your first time. Quickly I learned that my regular clothes were only going to fit me for the first couple months of my pregnancy, and that I eventually would have to go and purchase maternity pants, shirts, and even bras. Thankfully, your wonderful organization was able to help supply me with most of the maternity clothes I needed. From the mothers at The Way Clinic and myself, I just want to let you know that your organization is truly a blessing to all of us, and that we cherish and are truly thankful for you.“ Nabya’s Story “I was still trying to sqeeze into my clothes even when they weren’t fitting. They asked me at one of my appointments if I needed clothes. When you think of a pregnancy and going through this by yourself, as you start growing you realize you have more problems. Your clothes not fitting bring an added stress to everyday problems. Having the peace of mind that I am going to get something even though I can’t afford it is very comforting. They gave me underwear and everything. It’s great and it really does mean a lot. They really help out in every single way as much as they can.” Destination Maternity Offers Hope to Expectant Women Photo: Plaque Presentation with Destination Maternity in Jacksonville, FL with representatives from Dignity and The Way Free Medical Clinic Photo: Plaque Presentation with Destination Maternity in Charlotte, NC with representatives from Dignity and The Room at the Inn When a woman is facing an uncertain future due to a domestic violence situation, economic challenges or other difficult circumstances, receiving new clothing makes a huge difference in how she feels about herself and her pregnancy. It provides her with a little hope where there wasn’t any before. making a commitment to support our efforts. Room at the Inn is a partner agency located in Charlotte, NC that benefits from the apparel. Destination Maternity, a leading retailer of maternity clothes, has been an incredible partner to Dignity U Wear, providing us with clothing valued at more than $1 million. Acquiring maternity clothing that’s never been worn for disadvantaged women had been a real challenge. We are grateful to Destination Maternity for stepping up and “Room At The Inn would never be able to serve as many women and children as we do but for the help that we have received through organizations like Dignity U Wear and Destination Maternity,” says Executive Director Jeannie Wray. “New maternity clothing is such a great gift for a young mother. Seeing her face light up is also a gift that I wish we could share with all of you. Bless you all and many many thanks!” Helping the Homeless Get Back on Their Feet “There is no greater responsibility than knowing that each of us has the power to positively affect others. Let us use this power to change our world – one step at a time.” - Matt Conti Hearts to Your Soles Founder For many homeless people, walking is their primary form of transportation and they often stand for hours, waiting in line to receive services. They usually carry their possessions with them, which places additional stress on their feet. And because they are at the mercy of the elements, their feet are frequently damp. As a result, the homeless are likely to experience chronic foot infections like Trench Foot, caused by constant dampness and cold, severe calluses, blisters, and ingrown nails from ill-fitting shoes and a lack of socks. Dignity U Wear had the opportunity to partner with Our Hearts to Your Soles, a non-profit organization founded to serve these individuals. Our Hearts to Your Soles provides free medical foot screenings, shoes and socks in the metropolitan Pittsburgh area. What began as a small, family-run philanthropic venture grew into a national event serving over 35 locations in 33 states in 2011. Thanks to the support of generous sponsors, Dignity U Wear provided 2 pairs of brand new, warm socks for each person served by the clinic nationwide. The winter months are the most perilous for homeless individuals as they face freezing temperatures, which put them at risk for frostbite and other weather-related calamities. Providing footwear, quality socks and foot care before Thanksgiving, and the most unforgiving months of the year, is an opportunity to prevent such afflictions and suffering. Holiday Cheer Continuted (Page 1) Dignity U Wear as well as shoes, bags and hoodies from New Balance, boots from Timberland and a host of presents from the Taco Bell Foundation. The day was a true team effort, made possible by many caring people and companies. Dignity U Wear’s involvement was made possible by apparel donors such as PVH, Fishman and Tobin, Bobbins Trading, Cato Fashions, Golden Touch, and TailorByrd, as well as CSX who provided the shipping from Jacksonville to Massachusetts. Thank you to all of the apparel donors who participated: »» Alternative Apparel »» Apparel Trading »» Baby Phat Jeans »» Bahama Joe’s »» Bobbins Trading »» Boston Proper »» Byer California »» Cato Fashions »» Children’s Apparel Network »» Fishman & Tobin »» Hot Dames »» HYP »» Golden Touch »» Ikeddi »» Lollytogs »» Marc Ecko Enterprises »» Monkey Dog Apparel »» One Stop Fashions »» OuterStuff »» Renfro »» Robinson Manufacturing »» Rocawear »» Scarves Galore »» TailorByrd »» Textile Mart »» The Adair Group »» Under Armour »» Woolrich www.DignityUWear.org l 888.364.1305 Will you buy one more gift for a child this holiday season? someone loved them – even if that person is you and they never meet you. Bob Bryan Executive Director Would you please buy a gift for a child by making a donation to Dignity U Wear? We promise to use your money to express love to as many children as possible. And it will work. They will be delighted and the love will pay forward. Every year I trudge to the mall and spend hours (days) searching for the right gift to bring joy to my loved ones. It is sometimes a chore, but I keep doing it because it works. joy of being worthy of a meaningful gift. That is the essence of what we do at Dignity U Wear. All year long we present gifts of new clothing to children who might be receiving the first new garment of their lives. All year long we say to children, you are worthy of actually having My son and daughter, for example, your very own winter coat. You are delighted and I get a big hug. deserve to not be ashamed of They’re happy and I’m happy – your ragged underwear or your not because I spent money on torn shoes. them but because I care enough to express that love through a What I can tell you is that children gift. And it is expressions of love who have very little are overjoyed that make life good. to receive new clothing. And I believe that it is not just about the Every child deserves to feel the clothes. They feel worthy because 136 North Myrtle Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32204 www.dignityuwear.org Please take the time now to put your gift in the attached envelope. We’ll even spare you the trip to the mall. Thank you, thank you, thank you and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones! PS: You can also visit www.DignityUWear.org or scan this QR code to make your gift. Presort Standard US Postage Paid Permit #29 Charlotte, NC