Thank You Super Heroes

Last month, superheroes from the Put on the Cape Foundation invited the SWFAC's law enforcement, advocacy center staff, and members of the Friends' board to join them on a $3000.00 shopping spree at the Five Below store in North Peoria. This is the fifth year in a row that the Put on the Cape Foundation hosted this Superhero Shopping Spree.

Armed with shopping lists, the team set off throughout the store. For the next thirty-five minutes, we filled our shopping carts with inspirational books, journals, art supplies, toys, comfortable clothing, blankets, pillows, and personal care items. These items are stored in the center and given to victims during times of crisis. They are also used to fill the wish lists for children during our annual Winter Wonderland.

The employees of the store dressed in superhero t-shirts. Which is only fitting because they, too, are superheroes in our book. They stocked the shelves before we arrived, ran the cash registers, and cared for community customers while supporting our efforts. Before the last of our shopping carts could go through the check-out line, we'd reached our earmarked $3000.00 limit. But instead of asking us to put away the last of our items, the team at the store rang up the items and donated them to the center.

Thank you to the Put on the Cape Foundation for organizing this event year after year and to the Five Below team. You are all superheroes in our book!