Revival Gear Project To "Git-R-Done!"
By Lee De Bevoise
Imagine being in foster care. Then, imagine only having a garbage bag in which to carry your belongings. That is the scenario for many children currently in foster care throughout Nebraska.
The project started in March 2009 when, after many years of thought and prayer, Suzanne McIlvaine of Cordova, came up with the idea of providing duffel bags. She had adopted her son, Alex, through the Seward County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). When he arrived, all his possessions came in a black garbage bag. Thus, the Revival Gear Project came into being. The group recently started working with CEDARS in Lincoln to reach even more foster children.
The Revival Gear Project incorporated in August and a goal was set to obtain non-profit status for the organization. The only thing stopping them was money.
"I decided to try for a grant at the Git-R-Done Foundation after seeing 'Larry the Cable Guy's' commercials about the donation they made to the Child Advocacy Center in Lincoln. I knew that Mr. Whitney is from Nebraska, and thought that is was worth a try," Suzanne explained. As they say, the rest is history. A personal card and check from Larry the Cable Guy, himself, recently arrived.
"There are so many kids in foster care that need a boost of self-esteem. I know there are a lot of organizations out there vying for his, and your extra money, so that is why we attempted to make this project as inexpensive as possible."
You can find out more about the Revival Gear Project by visiting their website at www.revivalgearproject.org
Imagine being in foster care. Now, imagine have a handmade duffel bag in which to carry your belongings. You get the picture.
In the photo: Duffel bags for CEDARS: Pictured (l.-r.) are Peg Sneller-Hamilton, CEDARS
Service Area Manager; Sharon De Bevoise, treasurer of Revival Gear Project; and Revival Gear Project founder and president Suzanne McIlvaine.
Article can be found in "The Wilber Republican" on December 9, 2009
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