DONATION RESOURCE // Wishing Wings Boutique
Who remembers that feeling as a teen wanting to pick out just the right outfit for a special occasion? And that magical feeling when you nailed the look from head to toe?
In an effort to provide that experience for teens within the foster care system, Ginger Summer launched the Wishing Wings Boutique in Lebanon, Indiana.
Ginger has been a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) since 2017 which has given her the insight that youth within the system face many challenges. She said, “ I have seen kids go to new homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back or a trash bag full of ill-fitting odds and ends. Going to a new home without proper resources can be stressful and scary even for older kids who are often forgotten when it comes to donations, relocation needs, and other support.” This led her to open Wishing Wings Boutique so that all children have access to essential resources and give them a sense of dignity. Ginger shares a little more about Wishing Wings Boutique and how the community can lend a helping hand.
Can you share a bit about the services you provide?
Wishing Wings Boutique provides youth the positive experience of shopping in a consignment-like atmosphere. The setting gives kids the opportunity to make their own selections and try on clothes that fit their style and preference. There are fitting rooms available for a true shopping experience. Wishing Wings Boutique carries clothing in sizes youth 10 up to adult 3XL, to help provide for tweens and teens who are often overlooked. In addition to clothing and shoes, the boutique carries bedroom decorations, new makeup items, books, sports equipment and more. All items are provided to “customers” without a charge!
The Wishing Wings Grant a Wish provides support and funding for those special extras that can build self-esteem, develop skills and foster talent. Extracurricular activities and other special extras can be a financial stretch for foster families and kinship placements. The Grant a Wish program can bring these extras into reach. Wishes range in size and can provide such things as a school yearbook, a prom ticket and attire, a senior class ring, registration for camp or the opportunity to participate in sports or music groups.
How has Wishing Wings changed over time?
We have expanded our boutique space to now encompass two rooms (one for the boys and one for the girls), we are also receiving more Grant a Wish requests. Last year we provided ~10 wishes and so far this year we have granted 29 wishes.
What types of items can be donated to Wishing Wings?
Brand new or gently used clothing items in youth size 10-adult 3XL. We only accept tween/teen appropriate styles, all items must have the clothing size tag, no company branded shirts and no clothing with another youth's name. Undergarments and socks must be brand new. Gently used tween/teen appropriate bedding, bedroom decorations, new makeup and gently used sporting equipment. Donations are NOT accepted at the boutique, please email ginger@wishingwings.org if you would like to make a material donation.
How about the number of people in our community have had the chance to benefit from Wishing Wings. Any idea how many?
Since March 2020 Wishing Wings Boutique has had 423 tweens/teens "shoppers". So are this year we have had 79 "shoppers".
What are the greatest needs right now?
New undergarments and new makeup are our biggest needs.
What can we anticipate seeing from Wishing Wings in the next 3 years?
We hope to be able to continue our Christmas Experience Wish every year, but that is dependent on funding.
How can readers get involved?
Having undergarment or makeup type drives. Also, monetary donations are greatly appreciated to be able to provide for the Grant a Wish program www.wishingwings.org/donate
It’s clear that Wishing Wings Boutique is helping give the experience of finding the perfect outfit and shopping experience to many tweens in the Indianapolis area. To continue to follow along with Ginger and Wishing Wings Boutique, you can find them on Facebook @wishingwingsinc or on their website www.wishingwings.org. Thank you to Ginger for sharing her time and knowledge with us!
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