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Peggy Padan
104 First Street
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-9442
Dear George Neugent,
Children's Week is January 2 thru 16,2002. It is a time to remember how important
early childhood and family issues are to everyone. My husband Roben and T have been
residents ofMonroc County for the last seventeen years and Foster Parents fOJ the past
six years now. We have three children of OUl own and have had many foster children
placed in our home over the years. Currently with our own children we have a little girl
with us who is two. We feel very much a pan of this community from owning a
business, to being very involved in our children's lives.
As a member ofthe Monroe County Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc., 1 am part
of a committe that is seeking "Help for Our Children". There are cUlTcntly fifty children
in foster care in this county. This number changes from week to week, and does not
include children who are plated in a relative's care. There are twenty two active foster
homes in all of Monroe County. There is a great need for basic items for these children
when they come into a foster home. Attached is a list of items that we are looking to
have donated. Our goal is to have a canvas bag for each child. containing age and gender
appropriate personal care items and to be able to supply basic clothing needs, when a
child is placed in a foster home.
I would like to share with you what happens when a child comes into care. As a foster
patent, you usually receive a call during the day from the Depamnent of Children and
Families asking if you would be willing to take in a child that win be removed from his
or her home that day. Most of the time the child comes to you in the evening. It is a very
fiightening experience for him or her. There is little or no time to get ready. You are
given the name of the child, sex and age. The child comes with only the clothes on his
back and little else, they are very confused as to what is happening. I once had a baby
come to our home right from the hospital where he was born with only a paper garment
on and a receiving blanket. These cmJdren should have all the necessary items that we
take so much for granted. There is no state fund for us as foster parents to draw from to
purchase these items. The children need to have things of their own. Often being in a
foster home is the first time in their lives that there is any sense of family life.
We live in a wonderful community that is always there to help others. especially our
children. I hope that after you read this letter, you might consider making a donation to
"Help for Our Children". I am also hoping that you will get the word out about this worth
while project to anyone who might be able to help. If you have any questions, please do
not hesitate to call me at 451-9442. If you care to make a cash donation. please make
your check out to the "Monroe County Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc."a florida
not-for-profit corporation, I would love the opportunity to speak at one of your
meetings to tell you more about what we are tJ'!ing to do ,f9; the foster children. Please
let me know. Thank you. . f.~ ;/~
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K.id Bap
Bottles
Wipes
Diapers, all sizes
Desitin type products
Pacifiers
Receiving blankets
Baby tylenolladvil
Baby blankets
Baby shampoo, lotions, powder
Formula, milk based and soy
Baby food, cereal. jars, juice
Bibs
Sippie cups (toddler cups with lids)
Tooth brushes
Tooth paste
Underwear. all sizes for boys and girls
Socks. all sizes for boys and girls
Combs and brushes
Shampoo, cream rinse, hair gel
Drop off donations to:
Robert Padan, Computer Tax Prep,
99348 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL 33037
451-4972, next to Mrs. Mac's Kitchen. or to.
Peggy Padan.
104 First Street. Key Largo, FL 33037
451-9442
Thank You.
Pajamas. babies. boys and lirls
Bed pillows
Kids sleeping bags (the type with characters on them.)
Back packs
Lunch boxes. water bottles
Pencils, pencil boxes. pocket folders, copy books, rolled loose leaf paper. erasers.
crayons. colored pencils.
SHOES, new or in very good condition. all sizes for boys and girls.
ChiJdrens books
Small Teddy Bears
Any hand made items would be great. such as blankets, teddy bears etc.
USED CLOTHES All SIZES. IN GOOD CONDmON
We are in need of small to medium canvas bags to put the smaUer items in for the
children.
If you wish to make a cash donation. please make your check out to the "Monroe County
Foster Adoptive Puent Association, Inc.", Thank you.