Smith Partners with DePelchin Children’s Center to Help 80 Children in Need

Many of the children who are placed into foster homes have only the clothes on their backs. So we at Smith partnered with DePelchin Children’s Center during the summer of 2017 to provide duffle bags filled with the things kids need and want to feel secure.

Using donations given by Smith employees from all around the world, we were able to purchase and assemble enough care packages for 80 children in need. We filled the bags with items such as blankets, brushes and combs, toothbrushes, and inspiring notes – all things they can call their own.

“Typically the bedding and toys belong to the house where these foster children are staying, so – when they get moved to another home – these children have to start over from scratch,” said Patti Everitt, Smith’s HR and recruiting manager, who also oversees Smith’s CSR Committee. “Initially, we wanted to help 40 children, but our employees really stepped up and helped us double that.”

The DePelchin staff then delivered the bags directly to the parents and children who are under their supervision.

“It’s gratifying to know that we helped these children, who, through no fault of their own, are going through a really tough time,” Patti said.