NBC26 Cares: Shoe La-La Event to Help Those in Need
NBC26 Cares--The tough economy has more people looking for help than ever before. Nicole Jennings, the wife of Packers receiver Greg Jennings knows what it's like by surviving hard times of her own. "It's one of those things you'll never forget," Jennings recalls.
As a child, Nicole and her family spent time in a homeless shelter. "It was a short stint but long enough to make an impact on who I am as a person, so it's important for me to be able to help those that are in the same situation that I was once in."
That's why Nicole is teaming up with the Community Clothes Closet, an organization based in Menasha that provides clothing for those in need. "We're all about dignity and helping people walk out of here feeling better about themselves." Diane Bishop is the Executive Director of the Community Clothes Closet. "In the last 5 years, we've grown 248% in clients which is incredible."
Click here to visit the Community Clothes Closet website for ways to make a donation.
But the organization's growth comes with problems. It serves 16,000 people a year, and it's running out of space. The Community Clothes Closet plans to build a 9,000 square foot addition. Diane Bishop explains it costs money, "All we have to raise is $750,000."
That's where Nicole Jennings comes in. The self described 'shoe fanatic' is drumming up support by hosting a fundraiser called Shoe La-La, an event that will help bring in donations to fund the expansion project and provide more free clothing for those living in poverty. "We all know what clothing does for us and our self image. You help people feel good about themselves and they're going to do better in life," Bishop noted.
For Nicole Jennings, Shoe La-La is one way to remember her past and the help she received during those dark days and help others in the same shoes. "We feel that this is a great place for us to give back because it fits the part of our life that means the most, that makes us who we are."
Click here to learn more about Shoe La-La.
NBC26 Cares about our community! Our weekly series of reports will focus on the amazing people who are making a difference in Northeast Wisconsin. Click here to tell us about the person or organization you think deserves recognition..
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