Opening Heart 2025 Annual Books and Back-to-School Drive

(Scroll down for THREE delivery options and deadlines)

Dear Opening Heart Mindfulness Community,

OHMC invites you to participate once again in the Book & Back-To-School Drive to benefit the children served by Washington DC’s Community Family Life Services (CFLS). The drive will take place between June 22 and July 28.

BOOK DONATIONS:  At this point, CFLS aims to serve at least 100 children and youth. Our sangha member and former children's librarian, Mary Smith, has suggested we use the Notable Children's Book Lists recommended by the American Library Association as a springboard for considering donations of new or gently used books appropriate for K-12 students. These books include characters and situations, fiction and non-fiction, about children of multiple cultures, races, and backgrounds living in the US and around the world. See also BarefootBooks_Handout_April2022.pdf for ideas on the best kinds of books to provide. Donated books should not include proselytizing messages.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES:  As in past years, OHMC is assisting CFLS with students' back-to-school needs. This year, it will be easier than ever to donate.

A registry of school supplies from Walmart has been created. Donors can click on links for supplies that will be sent directly to CFLS. Here is the Walmart list of items requested by CFLS:             

 https://www.walmart.com/wishlist for CFLS Back-to-School project.

Our goal is to provide as many items as possible since CFLS serves so many children. 

VISA GIFT CARDS: Donors also have the option to purchase VISA gift cards online or in person at any major retailer. These can be emailed directly to CFLS or delivered in person to Camille's or Sheila’s home. Gift cards may be used to cover the only item not included on the Walmart list— graphing calculators. Donors are encouraged to specify this designation when making their donation.

People can choose to donate to one or both parts of the drive. They can also donate gift cards.

CFLS will provide tax-exemption documentation. To ensure proper acknowledgment, please include your full name, email address, and a brief description of the items or financial contributions you are donating when submitting them.

There are THREE delivery Options:

1) Online Walmart List: https://www.walmart.com/wishlist for CFLS Back-to-School project

2) Direct Donation to CFLS: 

Wendy Benton, Drop-In Center Coordinator

Community Family Life Services

4860 Fort Totten Drive, NE

Washington, DC 20011

(202) 347-0511 Main; (202) 849-3016 Direct line

3) In-person delivery: 

Camille’s home July 9-July 14 & July 21-July 28.

   Address: 4629 Asbury Pl NW Washington DC 20016

  (Boxes or bags can be left on the porch near or on the coffee table, and gift cards can be put  

   thru the door mail slot.) 

Sheila’s home June 22-July 28. 

    Address: 3204 Leland St., Chevy Chase, MD 20815

    (Gift cards can be put through the mail slot.)

NOTE: For in-person deliveries, please place your item/s in a bag, clearly labeled with your name and last name and email Camille at cmartone@martoneconstruction.com or Sheila at sforanedmonds@gmail.com after you have dropped the items off.

You may email Sheila Foran at sforanedmonds@gmail.com and Magda Cabrero at magdacabrero@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

Thank you so much and a lotus for you,

The Engaged Mindfulness Cirle (Camille, Magda, Phyllis & Sheila)