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Sleigh, Queen…: Skylar Bogan distributes shoe boxes full of supplies for House to Home shelter

Skylar Bogan prepares to unload shoe boxes full of food and hygiene supplies at the House to Home Day Shelter on Monday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — A project aimed to help the homeless community hit its 15th year Monday.

Skylar Bogan was just 10 years old when she saw people sleeping under a bridge on Christmas Eve and was moved to action. She began collecting shoe boxes and filling them with essential items to distribute such as gloves, hats, food and hygiene products for House to Home, a local day shelter.

Now 15 years later, Bogan’s project has grown exponentially, with the shelter distributing approximately 100 shoe boxes this year. Over the years, the program has evolved, with new items added to the boxes, but the core mission remains the same.

“These are people who probably don’t get gifts this Christmas,” Bogan said. “They’re struggling, and they may not feel like they have people who care about them and so I hope that this can bring them some light in their dark days.”

This year, Bogan, alongside several sponsors, including Strong Tower Fitness, packed the boxes full of supplies, including food, gloves, hats, disposable washcloths and other toiletries.

Skylar Bogan shows clients at the House to Home Day Shelter the contents of each shoe box, including food, drink, gloves, a hat and toiletries. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

According to Bogan, individuals from years prior have reached out to share their appreciation for the shoe box project. One man, who had received a box from Bogan when he was homeless, recently reconnected with the team and wanted to donate to the project, expressing his gratitude for its impact on his life.

The shelter, which has operated for over 20 years, has seen a significant uptick in demand for its services over the past year.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of new faces coming through the doors, people who look really desperate and worn down from being on the streets,” says Michelle Rusen, the shelter’s board president. “It’s heartbreaking, but we’re doing everything we can to help meet their basic needs.”

The shelter, which is the only one of its kind in the area, provides a safe haven for individuals and families from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Guests can take showers, receive a hot meal, access clothing and laundry facilities, and even have a place to relax and watch TV.

Previously located on Eighth Street, the shelter moved earlier this year to its new location at 825 Seventh St. in Parkersburg.

Volunteers work to pack shoe boxes with food and hygiene supplies at Strong Tower Fitness to donate to House to Home. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated, as the shelter is in the midst of renovations, working to complete the first floor and begin work on the second. Future plans include building a pole barn for storage and a kitchen to serve hot meals.

Volunteers are also a crucial need, with opportunities ranging from sorting donated clothes to helping prepare and distribute the holiday blessing bags. Those interested can reach out through the shelter’s Facebook page or by calling directly.

“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve received from the community, but the need is greater than ever,” Rusen said. “Anything people can do, whether it’s donating items, making a financial contribution, or volunteering their time, it all makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.”

To donate or to volunteer at House to Home contact the group through their Facebook page or at 304-893-5353.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com

The interior of shoe boxes given to clients at the House to Home Day Shelter. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

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