Sweet Dreamz Helps Kids With "Comfort Items"
Sunday, September 1st, 2019 -- 9:30 AM
Imagine a child, removed from their home, a home where illegal drug activity has robbed them of the innocence of childhood, and placed in a more stable environment with a foster family better able to provide them care.That child, who is unable to take any personal belonging with them, is likely scared and feeling alone and missing the comfort of familiar surroundings. Marshfield Clinic Health System Accounts Payable Processor Tracie Van De Hei of Spencer imagines those children, feeling scared, lonely and uncertain as she packs a pillowcase with “comfort items” with the assistance of her two young daughters. Van De Hei is president of Sweet Dreamz, a nonprofit organization based out of Spencer. She said Sweet Dreamz supports children in Wood, Marathon and Clark counties, thus far, by gathering and distributing a pillowcase packed with pajamas, stuffed animals, books and blankets. Future goals are to serve all counties in the state of Wisconsin with the support of Sweet Dreamz board of directors. Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., will invest $1,000 in Sweet Dreamz, as part of its Employee-Driven Corporate Giving grant program. Each month Security Health Plan awards a $1,000 grant to a different charity or organization that is nominated by a Marshfield Clinic Health System employee.
Employees are encouraged to nominate organizations making a positive difference in the community. She said the organization is funded by monetary and item donations, along with grants such as this. Sweet Dreamz accepts monetary donations, as well as items such as pillowcases, blankets, which can be homemade, pajamas, stuffed animals and books. To make a donation contact Tracie at [email protected] or drop off items at R&R Flooring and Furniture in Spencer located next to Kwik Trip on State Highway 13. Monetary donations can be sent to Citizens State Bank of Loyal, by Paypal or Venmo.
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