If you are arriving at this post from a Yahoo group or the monthly TWS e-newsletter and would like to donate to the Cornerstones list of needed items – paint and supplies, furniture and bedding, you can see the running list by going to a new post I started: Click Here to go to the Cornerstones List Post. If you are on the front page, just look up, it’s right above this post!
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This month’s DeClutter For Good efforts are inspired by, and primarily on behalf of, Cornerstones Ipswich ~ a group care residential facility with an onsite day school that serves children in need from age 6-13. Cornerstones is staffed by incredibly hard-working and caring people who try each day to help make their very special students find a sense of safety, normalcy, and happiness in their childhood.
I visited Cornerstones several months ago, delivering books for the kids. Elissa Covello, whose title is House Manager, was so appreciative of the donations, remarking that the kids would love to have books to take to their room. She gave me the tour of the facility, the bottom floor of a barn-like structure: a hallway lined with bedrooms, one shared restroom, some shelves in the hall.
The kids rooms looked a little bleak, but provided a safe place for the residents, children age 6-12, to rest their growing bodies.
Next, our visit led to a small study/play room with some old curtains and a bookcase half-filled with some tattered game and puzzle boxes. Elissa spoke of her vision for the space, brightened with a fresh coat of paint, a happy place to play and be.
In the sitting area at Cornerstones, Elissa imagines comfortable furniture for the kids to enjoy, curl up with a book, share a story, perhaps of a happy new memory made on one of the outings to go sledding, play at the park, kidstuff… just kidstuff. glorious kidstuff. Currently, the space has some old furniture that I’m guessing was once in a library or student center. Everything is functional, but Elissa wants to replace the institutional feel with one of home and comfort, safety and self-worth.
Without question, Cornerstones House Manager Elissa Covello has her hands full just getting through the day. Still, she wants to give the residents at Cornerstones a feeling of a safe and cozy home. She is hoping to paint bedrooms this weekend! Can you help make Elissa’s wish for these kids come true?
Paint and Painting Supplies ~ ASAP!!!
Bedding ~ blankets, bottom sheets, pillow cases
Furniture ~ couches, comfy chairs, end tables, coffee tables, dinning room furniture, chairs, dresser
Knowing that Cornerstones is planning some spring sprucing up, I thought it would be good timing to help them fill the game shelves in their study/play room with some nice choices for playtime. April vacation is a great time to get the kids decluttering to help other kids (and make life at home a little more peaceful and organized in the process) ~ Helping kids who are less fortunate ~ a teachable moment about service and gratitude, for sure:
For Whom? Kids! Especially Pre-School – Pre-Teen
With Whom? Cornerstones Ipswich
What? Games, Puzzles, Personal Computer Games
With some Educational aspects preferred. Non-violent!
Gently-used condition.
No or VERY FEW missing pieces.
When? DATE CHANGE: Sunday, April 26th 10am-4pm*
Where? Time Well Spent Pre-Launch Office
89 Turnpike Road/Route 1, Ipswich, MA
*If you can’t make it , please contact me for alternative drop-off arrangements.
If you know of other local organizations that could use some gently-used games and puzzles, please encourage them to contact Time Well Spent.
Nancy Gallant's Blog ~ Time Well Spent 
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your site is
useful. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Nancy I am very impressed with you web site..what a good job..Courtney’s photos are super,,we’ll be better in touch…keep up the good work Love
Sounds great, Nancy! I’ll do what I can. But April 19 is the Catholic Women’s Conference, so I’d have to make alternate arrangements if I get stuff for you.
=)
Maura