We published a blog a couple of years back about Hope’s Bridge and it quickly became one of our most popular posts, so we thought we would check back in with the Montgomery, Texas based non-profit organization. They are now located at 10461 Commerce Row, Suite 101 in Montgomery, which is just behind our Montgomery Self Storage location at 19678 Highway 105 West, Montgomery, TX 77356
Back to School is a busy time for everyone, but especially for the staff and volunteers at Hope’s Bridge Resource Center, as they work to provide the needed resources for foster, kinship, adoptive and other families in need from the Montgomery County area. Their 4th Annual Back 2 School Giveaway is wrapping up, but the need will continue long after classes begin.
We recently spoke with Julie Davis, President and Director of Hope’s Bridge, and she shared that they are “anticipating 325 local families in need now for Back 2 School, but possibly up to 500 by the time Thanksgiving arrives.” The need is greater than ever due to the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19. On the plus side, many used the down time to clean out their closets, so clothing donations were flowing in.
Julie said that Hope’s Bridge supports the families working within the foster care system with everything from “shoe to diapers” and they also take referrals from local churches and school counselors to help a child avoid foster care if possible. Once the school counselors start to see some children in person again this fall, Julie expects an increase in the requests for help.
When you volunteer or make a donation to Hope’s Bridge, you can be assured that it directly impacts children in Montgomery County. When a new child enters the local foster system, they receive a small care basket. Each basket includes a book, blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, washcloth, one small “new” toy, a flashlight, a coloring book, and crayons. These items sometime vary based on availability. Each basket costs approximately $30 to fill. This is a huge ongoing need and it directly goes into the hands of a child in crisis.
Donations can be made through the website, which also explains the types of projects they need volunteers for, such as cleaning and sanitizing toy donations and taking home donated clothing to be freshly laundered.
Montgomery Self Storage believes it’s important to support the communities where we live and work. Whether you volunteer, contribute financially or donate material items, it appears that the needs will continue to be great throughout 2020. We fully support the goals and mission of Hope’s Bridge.
Should you know a family that is struggling, please refer them to Hope’s Bridge Resource Center. They also have a separate, new location in Huntsville serving the needs of Walker County.
Photos courtesy of Hope’s Bridge Resource Center’s Facebook page.