SPUNK kicks off eighth year of helping area kids in need

By Kathleen Goddeyne - 

Eight years ago, Gretchen Haynes began the Socks, Pajamas, and Underwear for Needy Kids (SPUNK) program after a customer, who happened to be one of the directors of a foster care program, at D & G AutoCare, owned by Gretchen and her husband Don, mentioned that more children are put into the foster care program during the holidays than any other time of the year.

Many of those children enter the program with either a grocery sack of clothing or nothing at all.

“Used stuff is fine when it comes to shirts and pants, but the thing that’s never in clothing drives is underwear, socks, and PJ’s,” Gretchen said. “Those are things you usually don’t get rid of until they are worn out and people don’t want those items used.”

Five different agencies throughout the Grand Valley have bins for donations including the Latimer House, School District 51’s Resources, Education, and Advocacy for Children who are Homeless (R.E.A.C.H.), Catholic Outreach, Grand Valley Bank in Fruita, and Kim’s Auto Parts in Fruita.

“We collect all ages and all sizes because we don’t know who is coming in,” said Gretchen.

R.E.A.C.H. pulls baby items including diapers out of the items they distribute to students according to age group. SPUNK also takes monetary donations if people who would like to help the cause, but don’t want to shop.

SPUNK will be collecting donations from Nov. 1-Dec. 15 in order to get the items out to children for Christmas gifts.

If you would like to help with the SPUNK program contact Gretchen at D & G AutoCare, (970) 243 3404.