Page 56 - August Life In Naples Magazine

heart to heart
WE RISE

by lifting others

by Karen Coney Coplin
A mong other things, Naples is an affluent resort town. donations leave a donor's home and

Amid the sea of plenty, there are people - families - in
go directly to the recipient. As Family
to Family is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, so
crisis and emergency situations. Fran Bratcher, who
launched the Family to Family organization over a
How can you help Family to Family
decade ago, has personally attended to hundreds of local clients donations are always tax deductible.
who receive items of necessity at the time of need. and our community? Donations are
If you haven't heard of Family to Family, you're invited to see always welcome – to keep their doors
how you might be inspired to help. They step in to assist foster open and lights on. Rent for their space
care families, grandparents who become primary caregivers to their is $1,900/month; utilities about $150 on
grandchildren; abuse victims typically starting over with nothing average. Insurance is just under $1,000/
and families in crisis situations including illness, death, fire, flood year. Though she's careful what she
or storm damage. wishes for, Fran does dream of an air conditioned storage unit to
When I first wrote about this organization in 2011, Fran told stockpile beds - this would be a donation of about $135/month
me a primary mission was simple: "Getting kids off the floor and or is any generous reader ready to help out for a year? That's just
into beds." Naturally, beds and bedding are critical to their mission. $1,620. No donation is too small, however.
In the instance of grandparents who suddenly step into a primary Volunteers at the Kids' Crisis Closet are also welcome. It's
parenting role, however, more than beds are essential: car seats, presently open three days a week. Other donors have met clients
other baby gear, plastic dinnerware, and toys are instantly needed. for pick up and delivery of beds. Gift cards for gas especially as
In cases like this and many other cases, notes Fran, bunk or twin prices are rising are always appreciated.
beds are especially welcome as space is at a premium. Family to Family is located at 4750 Enterprise Ave, # 101, in
Family to Family's mission has ripple effects in our community. Naples. Hours of operation for clients and volunteers are: Monday,
For people who are starting over after a period of crisis or shock - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m; and Friday 10 a.m. -
having necessary home products and furniture helps repair self- 1p.m. Other times by appointment and for emergencies. Email
esteem and provide a sense of worth and belonging. Clients report Fran at: kidscrisiscloset@gmail.com.
they feel they can provide for their families and provide well - and
use monies which might otherwise be expended on furnishings,
Karen Coney Coplin can be reached at NaplesKCC@gmail.com for
etc. for food, gas and medical expenses.
comments or article ideas.
Many heartwarming success stories have come from this
Follow her on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers.
organization. To mention only a few, one client became a Habitat
for Humanity homeowner, then, moved into another larger home
ITEMS OF NECESSITY
as part of this scenario, her home was sold back to Habitat for use
by another of their clients. One mom of five is now in medical
Family to Family list of "Most Welcome Items
school. Several nursing students are clients. Some of these women of Necessity" for families starting over:
were at one point homeless.
How is Family to Family different from other shops which 1. Kitchen items. Pots & pans, blenders, microwaves, coffee
collect donations for charities? Their clients shop at no charge - as pots, toaster items, bake ware, silverware, and utensils.
do their kids. 2. Bath items. Shower curtains, bath mats, towels - "the
There are no salaries at Family to Family. It's a donor latter always needed!"
dependent and exclusively volunteer run organization. Fran 3. Small Electric Fans.
Bratcher jokes they were the original "green" organization because 4. Bedrooms. Yes - beds + bedding. Pillows, blankets,
there is no waste - surplus items go to Immokalee, local missions, comforters. Fran reports that nearly 5,000 kids and family
and for local clients to share with others in need. Also, Family to members are now sleeping in beds thanks to good people
Family has a policy of always helping in emergency situations - as who have helped Family to Family's mission.
attested to by their very active Facebook page interactions. Feel 5. Area rugs.
free to "like" and "share" and "follow" this group, please!
Direct giving is also encouraged. Many times, furniture

56 Life in Naples | Aug/Sept/Oct 2018