MUSKEGON, Mich., (April 25, 2014)– While the temperatures are finally breaking around West Michigan, grandparents Roy and Ruth Seelye constantly have “winter on the brain”. Since 2008, the couple has been collecting much-needed items to donate to kids in need around the area. “Share a Little Warmth From The Heart” has become a year-round project.
“We started out with pajamas, blankets and slippers,” explained Roy Seelye. “It’s kind of turned into pajamas, blankets, slippers, hats, gloves and clothing.”
The couple created the charity during the recession after seeing the tremendous need in Muskegon County. The Seelyes have been able to reach thousands of kids in need every winter.
The basement of their Muskegon home is overrun with brand new items ranging in size from newborn to teenager. They buy and collect clothing all year, although the Fall is always their busiest time. They place donation barrels around the area in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
“We provide from Muskegon to Grand Haven,” Ruth told FOX 17 News. “It just started off as a little thing, but it keeps growing.”
The Seelyes estimate that they’ve been able to help anywhere from 10-11 thousand kids over the years. They say the need was even more dramatic during the recent brutal winter.
“It was a very, very bad winter…We worked until Christmas Eve in a blizzard, with phone calls coming in,” said Ruth. “I just get so excited and nothing else matters, just do it.”
To learn more about “Share a Little Warmth From the Heart”, or to donate, click here.