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Community donates gifts for teens in crisis
By Stephanie Flemmons, Staff Writer
Children and teens who seek help through Plano’s CITY House shelter will receive a multitude of gifts this holiday season.
Kathy Blank, CITY House director of outreach and volunteer services, said the donations this year have far exceeded expectations.
The children submit a wish list, which consists of 10-12 items. Blank said individuals from the communities, faith-based organizations, agencies and companies meet the children’s wants and needs by donating the requested items.
Seventeen Spa donated personal care items to City House in their Esteem for Teens collection drive.
“We wanted to give back to these kids,” said Susan Tierney, president of the spa. “It is so rewarding to know you are making their day.”
Tierney’s gifts included shampoo, perfume, makeup and cologne for the boys. She displayed fliers in her store to inform her customers they could contribute too.
“We had a great response from our customer base,” she said.
Kaye Bassman International, Plano Chamber of Commerce members, and John Paul II High School honor society students are donating their time, today, to help wrap all the donated items.
“The kids get so excited,” Blank said. “They are always so appreciative.”
Blank said even after the holidays are over, the community responds well to the shelter and helps provide necessities and meals. She said Grace Community Outreach Church donated lawn equipment for the facility.
Tierney also continues to keep giving all year. One night every three months she closes down her spa and invites all the teens in the shelter to enjoy a night of pampering.
“My staff volunteers their time,” Tierney said. “These children walk in the door beat up and leave so happy and excited. We do whatever they want. We literally transform them.”
Tierney said the teens can get a haircut, color, highlights, lowlights, pedicures, manicures and facials.
“They are open to try everything,” she said. “Even the boys are willing to do some wild and funky things.”
Tierney partners with Junior League sustaining member, Kathleen Dockery, to provide this opportunity for the youth.
“They’ll leave and we’ll all start crying,” Tierney said. “It’s very emotional.”
Blank said this is a wonderful way to provide joy and hope to the lives of teens in crisis.
“A lot of the teens haven’t had this opportunity,” Blank said. “It makes a different in their lives and helps their self esteem. It gives them the opportunity to see a positive part in difficult situation.”
Blank said anyone interested in contributing last minute holiday wish list items should contact Lynette Williams at 972-424-4626.
Contact Stephanie Flemmons at sflemmons@acnpapers.com
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