Project Night Night continues to provide free of charge to homeless children in shelters from birth to pre-teen who need childhood essentials to feel secure, cozy, ready to learn and significant. Each Night Night Package contains a new security blanket, an age appropriate children’s book and a stuffed animal – all nestled inside a new canvas tote bag. As of October 2011, over 800 totes have been distributed.
Each child who receives this package leaves a homeless shelter owning a book which encourages reading and family bonding, a security blanket which can ban be cuddled and a stuffed animal which can become a cherished friend. Here are the needs to continue Project Night Night:
Blankets
Imagine a young child toting a blanket. Ideally, blankets should be about crib size (based on the approximate age of the child) and able to fit in a canvas tote which measures 15½ x 15. Blankets must be new for sanitary reasons. They can be knit, crocheted, sewn, quilted or tied and of any design or fabric. There is nothing more special than an item that was especially made for a child with care. Do not make the blankets too large – it is hard to fit them in the totes.
Books
Can be new or in ‘like new condition’. All donated items should be of top quality (“good enough for your own child”). Ages would be 0-3 (Board books); 4-7 regular reading books and 8-11. Most needed board books for the youngest children.
Stuffed Animals
Can be new or in ‘like new condition. They should fit inside the tote properly. The ideal stuffed animal is snuggle size. Please – no beanie babies or similar tiny friends; no stuffed animals with battery compartments; no stuffed animals that make noises and no commemorative stuffed animals with years sewn on them.
Monetary Donations
Monetary donations are welcome primarily for purchase of the totes (one tote costs $3.50). Checks should be made payable to Marquette University.
Other
We will accept beanie babies, coloring books and crayons, puzzles for young children, children’s card games, rattles (all new or like new) and things of this nature on a limited basis. They can be put into the totes as extra special items if we are given these items but they will not be considered a primary item.
All items should be sent to Lalumiere Hall 340 c/o Kathy Hawkins.
Sponsorships Available
Sponsor a tote - $10 (we will take care of a tote(s) in your name)
If you would like to donate toward the contents: Stuffed animals, books, blankets or the totes themselves, any amount is appreciated.
COS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Committee on Staff is to strengthen Marquette's mission by encouraging excellence, faith, leadership, and service in university offices and workplaces. Committee on Staff is dedicated to serving as a liaison between Marquette's support staff and the University administration. The committee advocates on behalf of support staff and encourages university improvements at the policy level.
