By Rachel Solomon
For the Reporter
Two Redmond High School (RHS) students in a DECA business class are helping to better the lives of women, children and staff members at Redmond’s YWCA Family Village.
Junior Michelle Solomon and senior Marie Burkhart have coordinated a public relations campaign to address the bleak subject of homelessness and how the Family Village helps to bridge the gap between homelessness and permanent residence. It provides shelter to families in transitional housing, encourages residents to find jobs and attend school and provides childcare services during the day, so that parents can work or get job training. Many of the women and children at the Family Village have been displaced from their homes because of domestic violence.
Solomon and Burkhart have solicited donations of winter clothing, toys and gift cards from local businesses. Items will be gathered into gift baskets to brighten the holiday season for the 40 children living there. Many of the Family Village residents can not afford to buy gifts for their kids.
Burkhart and Solomon also want to honor the underappreciated YWCA staff of 15 and are asking for gift cards from restaurants or spas.
Collecting such items, even for a worthy cause, has been challenging, according to these RHS students. Many businesses expressed interest in the project but mandated that solicitors must contact corporate headquarters regarding donations. Non-corporate businesses, however, have been generous, they said.
“The people at YWCA have children to care for, but they also address the needs of the mothers,” said Solomon.
In addition to helping residents with employment readiness, they offer legal and emotional support so these women can end the cycle of domestic violence and create new lives for their families.
Donations are requested through Dec. 19. However, the date may be extended if there is a shortage of items for the gift baskets.
For information, contact Michelle Solomon at michelle_solomon@comcast.net or Marie Burkhart at missmarieex3@aol.com.
