As we come into the Easter weekend, many of us are lamenting the loss of our usual traditions. We are feeling sadness at not being able to attend our churches, have our neighborhood Easter egg hunts, or attend a family dinner with our loved ones. But for those who are currently in treatment programs like the ones offered by Richmond’s non-profit social service organization, UMFS, the sense of isolation is highlighted even more during holidays like Easter. Right now, approximately 45 youth are currently receiving care at UMFS’ residential treatment centers in Richmond and Fairfax. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the campuses are closed to visitors, including the families of youth.
Fortunately, another organization in Richmond decided to step in and do what they could to make the Easter holiday a little brighter for these kids.
Cost Plus World Market recently donated its entire stock of Easter goodies and decorations to UMFS to bring some Easter spirit to children living on the nonprofit’s campuses and its essential staff and their families.
As a non-essential business, Cost Plus World Market found themselves surrounded by aisles of untouched chocolate bunnies and rainbow-colored eggs that would be of no use when they reopen. Rather than let them go to waste, the Cost Plus World Market location on West Broad Street donated three aisles worth of Easter products to UMFS this week.
Thanks to the donation, staff were able to provide every child with an Easter basket full of goodies.
They used what was left to set up a mini-store for UMFS essential staff who have been working around the clock throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It warms our hearts, and we are so happy that children and families get to be on the receiving end of something like this,” said Pam Jackowski, general manager of CPWM. “We all feel so uplifted, especially during such a difficult time in the world.”
UMFS received 17 large moving boxes and 8 large bags worth of Easter eggs, baskets, chocolate bunnies and other assorted Easter décor.
“This gift from World Market was incredible and so timely for our residential youth and our team on the front line,” said Sheena Lyle, UMFS program director for the UMFS Child & Family Healing Center. “We’re so grateful because the donation provides Easter treats to all of our incredible staff and residents at both CFHC in Richmond and Leland House in Fairfax. One of our teaching staff here was actually moved to tears by World Market’s generosity.”
About UMFS:
UMFS is a statewide, nonprofit agency providing unwavering support and resources to children, teens, and families as they work to conquer behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges. UMFS was founded in 1900 as an orphanage in Richmond, and today it provides services ranging from treatment foster care to residential treatment at nine offices across the commonwealth, impacting nearly 13,775 children, teens, and family members. UMFS believes children and teens do better when they’re with families, which is why it offers 18 programs specializing in family creation and preservation.
About Cost Plus World Market:
Cost Plus World Market 276 stores in 36 states and the District of Columbia under the World Market® and Cost Plus World Market® trademarks. The stores feature an ever-changing selection of casual home decor and furniture, housewares, gifts, jewelry, decorative accessories, over 500 international wines, gourmet foods and beverages offered at affordable prices and imported from more than 50 countries. Many items are unique and exclusive to World Market and are regularly supplied by an international network of individual and regional artisans developed over the Company’s more than 50 years in the import business.
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Each week, Richmond Mom will be featuring local organizations and businesses that are giving back to our community in this time of crisis. If you know of a local organization or business that is going above and beyond to support the Greater Richmond community, please let us know at cs@richmondmom.com!
