What was your favorite thing to play when you were a child? Close your eyes and think for a minute. How did you feel when remembering those childhood moments? In starting Pinwheel Place, the first crisis nursery in New Jersey, we began with the idea that all children deserve the right to be children and should be spending their time joyfully making mud pies, chasing fireflies, blowing bubbles, and playing in the sprinkler. They shouldn’t be worrying about mommy being hit, their baby sister crying constantly because she doesn’t have a clean diaper, where they will go when mommy is in the hospital or their parents yelling or hitting them over everything because they are so stressed. This is why we need your help with our annual fundraiser!

Pinwheel Place, a crisis nursery right here in Monmouth County, is a safe haven where children can take a break from stressful situations and receive nurturing care while their parents can focus on getting the help they need or just have a break. The service is free and the home is licensed. We also provide basic needs such as diapers,clothes and baby supplies for families who are struggling financially. While children are at Pinwheel Place they spend time playing with volunteers and staff, they are provided with their meals and they can just be kids. What a gift! That power of play is so healing.

That being said, this year’s theme for our fundraiser is “Play it Forward”. Perfect for our mission to create great childhoods and great childhood memories and perfect for all of us to remember to make meaningful contributions to our community. We are planning an evening of fun for our guests and are sure they will be making wonderful memories as well and we would love for you to be a part of it and even join us. Please pay it forward and help families in our community by making a donation of a gift card or item or becoming a sponsor of the “Play it Forward” Tricky Tray event. No donation is too small. Our EIN# is 47-5186070 and information about sponsorship opportunities is on the back of this page. If you have any questions contact Quadhera Simmons at qsimmons@pinwheelplace.org. Let the Games Begin!!!