Shorewood Woman Launches Donation Drive For Kids In Need

SHOREWOOD, WI— Courtney Hinder says she was looking for a way to positively impact others during the holiday season. And she hopes others will join her on her mission.

"I am organizing, donating, assembling, and dispersing "Creative Care Packages" to Milwaukee kids in need. So far we've collected 75 packages for the Milwaukee Women's Center and are now working with Kids Matter Inc.," Hinder told Patch.

Hinder, 30, and her husband, Michael, were inspired by similar projects they saw at the beginning of the pandemic, and they decided to create and donate their own care packages. They hope others will join them.

Initially the couple's goal was to collect 75 packages. Within a month they met their goal.

"Inspired by the number of people who participated, we increased our goal and will continue to donate, organize and distribute throughout the holiday season. It’s all about working together to spread a little joy and support the needs of local organizations- especially during the pandemic and giving season," Hinder explained.

Each package contains items like colored pencils, sketch pads, and other art supplies that will fill drawstring backpacks.

The couple settled on art supplies because both have a background in education, and they believe the supplies appeal to a wide range of ages and abilities.

"The children receiving these supplies may be without a home or between homes," Hinder explained. "The supplies chosen are able to be used anywhere and require no prior knowledge or experience."

"At Kids Matter, we believe every child needs someone in their corner. Our mission is to help abused and neglected children heal and thrive," Susan Conwell, the Executive Director of Kids Matter Inc., explained.

For every child in foster care there are another twenty whose young lives have been disrupted by family issues like homicide, addiction, or domestic violence, Conwell explained.

"From legal help to therapy to the simplest of needs like school supplies or a warm blanket, our award-winning team and many community partners make sure that the most vulnerable kids in our community have a chance to succeed," Conwell told Patch. "Every kid wants to know that people care. Childhood should be safe. Being a kid should be a time of joy, love and learning."

Donations are especially valuable right now during the pandemic, Conwell explained. In part because families are isolated and stressed. These two factors raise the risk of child abuse. Plus many are struggling financially.

"Kids need to feel connected and know that people care. Donations of activities are so valuable," she said. "We are so grateful for all the ways that the community is stepping up and helping our kids."

Check out Kids Matter Inc.

The Hinders created an Amazon Wishlist to allow anyone to contribute what's most needed and ensure certain items aren't over ordered.

If you’d like to contribute, please select the option to deliver to Courtney Hinder at check-out.

The family plans to pack up the items and distribute them before Christmas. If you have questions you can contact them at creativecarepackagemke@gmail.com