Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Who better than a foster parent to realize that foster families need extra help.
Cheryl Flick and her husband Dan fostered for about 9 years.
They took in 15 children. All of them came with practically nothing.
“The things they came with were old, or with holes, or stains or just not appropriate,” said Flick. It’s a foster parent’s responsibility to clothe them, which can be an extreme expense, especially if you’re taking in more than one child.”
That’s when they decided to open Western New York Foster Closet. The first location was in the basement of Town Line Lutheran Church in Alden. Flick said it was a great starting point. The church and community were gracious and supportive. But they quickly outgrew it.
“We secured a location in the Eastern Hills Mall for two years but were part of the mall-wide eviction and then we found our current home at McKinley Mall in Hamburg. The community here has been super supportive.”
McKinley Mall is also facing struggles. Flick said she’s been told not to worry, but admits it’s not far from the forefront of her mind.
Rent is not cheap but Flick said an angel stepped in to help them. “The Vice President of West Herr, Beth Hollis, pays half of our monthly rent. “She personally called me and said she knows what a need this is in the community and she pledged to pay half of the rent for two years to make sure our doors stay open.”
WNY Foster Closet relies entirely on volunteers and donations. They have a very active Facebook page at WNY Foster Closet.
“If we have a need, we post it. People drop off donations. We also have an Amazon wish list that we are constantly updating.”
Flick said WNY Foster Closet started out collecting clothing only. "But then footwear started coming in, strollers, cribs. If you come into the store, it’s like a mini Target. We have hygiene products, purses and wallets, blankets and comforters, all kinds of baby gear."
Erie County Legislator Chris Greene helped Flick secure grants for brand new car seats, cribs and toddler beds.
It’s all free for foster children and for Kinship and 1017 situations.
When they come in, they get everything that they need. “They leave hugging, crying, thanking us up and down, just incredibly thankful,” said Flick.
WNY Foster Closet is always looking for volunteers. They post their weekly calendar every Sunday on Facebook.
They are currently on a clothing hold because the community has been so generous.
There is always a big need every year for new backpacks and school supplies for back to school.
Their big annual fundraiser is held in June at the Pink Cow Ice Cream Shop in Alden. It’s a Coupe Car auction. The community and every West Herr location takes a child’s Cozy Coupe and transforms it into something fun like a character or a tractor or race car.
“The proceeds help us purchase brand new school sneakers for all of the kids that come in before school starts. We have a huge need for proper footwear. So many kids come in with shoes that are one, two or three sizes too small. It’s become a big focus of ours to make sure we always have brand new, quality sneakers.”
Flick said she is honored to be recognized as "Selfless Among Us," I am so thankful for the strong support from our community. I absolutely love being able to help kids in care and the incredible families that selflessly open their hearts and homes. I am humbled by this recognition."
