UpsideDown Moments is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization operating in Loudoun County and the surrounding areas.
We provide basic necessities for children entering foster care, things like clothing, personal hygiene items, blankets, stuffed animals, books, and more. We also serve at-risk children and young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. I started this operation out of the garage in my home in Hamilton, Virginia back in 2019. I never fully imagined the scale of the need here in the most affluent county in the world. Fortunately, I also underestimated the generosity and support we would receive from the community. We are literally on the verge of being overwhelmed by donations.
What We Need is Space
You would think that as the founder and CEO of a children's charity, I would be very comfortable asking for support. I suppose that's true when it comes to things like clothing and household supplies, even small financial donations. That being said, I admit to feeling a bit self-conscious about articulating our biggest need -- a space big enough to sort and process donations that will also provide room for a "free shop" where foster families, case workers, and at-risk youth can browse and choose the items they need. To be clear, I am admitting up front that we don't currently have the resources to purchase or even pay the rent that a for-profit organization would be fairly expected to pay. We're looking for a miracle. At the urging of some of our newest volunteers, I'm putting this need out into the universe with a mixture of hope and faith.
Our Dream Space
Ideally, this location would be located somewhere in Leesburg, Purcellville, Ashburn, or Lansdowne. Our wish list for this location would include:
1000 square feet or more of open space for our free shop
A smaller room where we can conduct essential training for volunteers and in the future, the youth we support
Air-conditioned storage space where we can sort and process incoming donations
Convenient parking for visitors and volunteers
Easy drop off-points for donations
Beggars Can't Be Choosers
We're asking for help to make this location a reality. As such, trust me, we are more than open to options that might not fulfill every "requirement" on our wish list. Below is a picture of volunteers hard at work sorting donations in my garage. Any improvement we can make over our current circumstances would still qualify as a miracle to us.
Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart
Thank you for reading this appeal for help. Thank you for your willingness to consider helping us resolve this need. Please know that even the smallest effort to assist in achieving this goal will directly benefit kids and foster families right here in our community.
How You Can Help
I may be completely wrong. My heart and mind are open to all possibilities. But it seems to me that there are two paths to success here. Either we locate an individual who owns such a space who is able and willing to make it available to us. Or, over time, we build up the financial resources to rent such a facility. So, the best thing you can do for us is:
Help Us Get the Word Out
Do you know an individual, a company, or an organization that might be in a position to help us? If so, please share this appeal.
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