12-30-08
Families in need reaching out to Mt. Vernon's "Virtuous Hearts Foundation" for help
    Mount Vernon based Virtuous Hearts Foundation continues to make a difference, not only in Mount Vernon, but throughout surrounding Westchester communities as well.
     The Virtuous Hearts Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, was created over three years ago to assist women and families who are struggling to buy the simple things their babies and children need. The organization has grown dramatically, and is now a sought after source of help for many who are struggling during the current economic dilemma. 
     The objective of the organization is to provide families with the following:

• New and used baby items (books, car seats, cribs, diapers, clothing, furniture, high chairs, shoes, strollers, toys, etc.)

• Food: cereals, canned goods, soups, tuna, etc.

• Clothing (new or used)

• Computers (new or used)

• Used cars/old cars (running)

• Your donations: whatever you can afford to Give

     On Sunday, December 28, The Virtuous Hearts Foundation held a Gift, Toy & Clothing Drive at The West-Help Facility shelter on Franklin Avenue in Mount Vernon. Kohl's Department Store donated over 100 stuffed animals and books from their "We Care About Children Campaign." Lowes Moore, of the Boys & Girls Club in Mount Vernon, donated books, stuffed animals and lots of games, puzzles and toys for the children. And Virtuous Hearts Foundation donated art supplies (coloring books, crayons, colored pencils and markers), colorful books, new clothing for the parents and children; coats, jackets, sweaters, corduroy pants, long sleeve shirts, sweat suits, hats, scarves, mittens, shoes and boots.
     Marleen Lawrence, the Recreations Director of West-Help was very happy that members of The Virtuous Hearts Foundation attended and spread joy and cheer to the families in the facility. Families currently living in the shelter are leaving the shelter by January 1, 2009 because the shelter is being turned into a permanent residential facility by the state. "It's nice the families got such a treat - something to take with them. It really cheered them up," said Lawrence. "I'm so glad The Virtuous Hearts Foundation came to our facility."
     Everyone had a great time, especially the moms who filled their bags with multiple items for their children and other family members. "The smiles on the children's faces said it all -made me so happy," said Jan Virtue, President of The Virtuous Hearts Foundation. "This is the reason why we do what we do - the children. We're here to make sure they have a good holiday and have warm coats and clothes for the winter. And the kind hearts of others (people who donated) allowed this to happen."
     Please call: (914) 363-3729 to donate your new and used baby items, furniture and clothing to help families in crisis. Or visit www.virtuousheartsfoundation.com to see what the organization has been doing for people in crisis throughout Westchester County.

Pictured below are residents of The West-Help Facility shelter who received gifts at the December 28 Gift, Toy & Clothing Drive: