Taylor's 6th birthday party collected warm clothes for kids in need

Taylor Schoengarth turned six in October. Her parents, Clay and Shane, wanted to do something different for their daughter’s 6th birthday.

“We didn’t want to do your typical birthday,” says Clay. “We knew we wanted to do something for the community. “

A friend of theirs came up with an idea, suggesting a hat, glove, and coat drive for people in need. They liked the idea. But they didn’t know what Taylor would think of it.

“We asked her what she thought about not getting presents, instead giving them to somebody else,” says Clay.

Taylor thought it was a great idea.

They sent out invitations for Taylor’s birthday party, and including an invitation to bring either old or new warm clothes, if they wanted, that would be given to people who might need them this winter. About nine girlfriends came over for a slumber party. Instead of packages wrapped in shiny paper and bows, they brought coats, gloves, pants, and a variety of warm clothing for the winter.

Next, Taylor’s mom Shane contacted Office Manager Gina Woolett, who in turn contacted Susanne Stanton, the school district’s homeless liaison. Suzanne met with Taylor and her dad on October 29th to accept the clothing. Not an hour later Susanne passed some of the clothing along to Denia Alaniz, a Family Advocate for Columbia Elementary School.

“We have two families right now from California,” says Denia. The families have kids in Columbia and younger siblings as well. “This will be their first winter in Wenatchee, and they will appreciate the help”

Most schools in the district have a family advocate, a person who assists families in need. Taylor’s kindergarten teachers at Sunnyslope are Sarah Ferrians and Trina Blankenship. The Schoengarths were pleased the schools had a way to get the clothes to kids in need.

“Every birthday kids get stuff that they play with for a week or two,” says Clay. But the idea of selflessness, of giving back, of instilling the idea in their daughter at an early age seemed to them a greater gift than toys. “Hopefully,” Clay says, “somebody else might do it as well.”