Initiatives - The Wish Closet

The Wish Closet

The Wish Closet was formally opened with the assistance of Home Depot for providing all of the shelving and paint, in a converted lunchroom at Major Ballachey School on Sept. 27/07 but has been operational for the past 6 years. Betty Finley, an Attendance Counsellor with the Grand Erie District School Board is responsible for the enforcement of compulsory school attendance but recognized that there are many reasons why children do not attend school. Sometimes the family is experiencing financial hardship and therefore the children do not have appropriate clothing, shoes or warm clothing which contributes to non-attendance at school.

Betty began collecting gently experienced clothing, household items, shoes and books to offer to parents and students free of charge in an effort to make life less of a struggle. Betty use to transport 30 bags of clothing to different schools, sort and organize the items and invite parents to come and "shop" free of charge with a message of understanding that there will be a time in everyone's life that they can give to others and "paying it forward" in life is important. So, perhaps a single mom needs assistance today but in the future she can pay it forward to help someone else. There are many children and impoverished families in Brantford and the assumption that all children have shoes that have laces or coats that fit is far from the truth. Betty recognizes that the basic necessities of life assist with regular attendance, improved self-esteem and pride in their appearance.

Betty also wanted a place where all staff across the Grand Erie District School Board could go and find items that children in other schools may need such as backpacks, mittens or sweaters. Also, the availability of household items such as dishes, glasses, silverware, towels are also collected to assist families in need. Books are often needed, stuffed animals to comfort a child, toys or art supplies are also very useful.

Often items that are donated are in excellent condition and are used for another program run by Betty called the Light A Smile program. Improving student attendance is Betty's primary goal and in 6 local elementary schools Betty runs an Attendance, Incentive and Mentorship program whereby students are rewarded with prizes that are donated by the community to encourage children with excellent attendance. If you would like to make a financial donation or collect Zehr's tapes that are converted to cash to purchase alarm clocks to encourage punctuality, any and all contributions truly make a difference. Betty works at the Teacher Resource Centre and is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in her community.

The Wish Closet is open to the public every Wednesday morning but donations to the Wish Closet can be dropped off any time during school hours at Major Ballachey School. The Secretary at the School, Chris Comeau will ask your name so you can be added to a Donor list so your generosity can be acknowledged for making a difference in the life of a child. There are currently 2 Volunteers working every Wednesday morning at the Wish Closet and Carol Holmes is the newly appointed Wish Closet Coordinator to work on distributing the ongoing donations. Anyone in our community is welcome to visit the Wish Closet and take whatever they need and of course, one day, "pay it forward" to someone else.

Corporate Sponsors for "The Wish Closet"

Home Depot Winners