Although interest rates are on the rise, it's still a great time to purchase a home. Speak with one of our expert loan officers today!
New Loans: 603-926-9695

About The Pass Along Project

The Pass Along Project is a cooperative effort between local community volunteers to collect and redistribute gently used clothing in “bundles” of age- and gender-specific clothing. Each bundle consists of enough clothing for a full week as a basic startup — similar to what many families purchase at the beginning of a school year.

The non-profit was founded in 2017 by Lynette Kaichen, who is also one of Blue Water Mortgage’s very own licensed mortgage brokers. “My program literally gives ‘the shirt off your back’ to children in need,” Lynette explained. “At a time when they’ve lost everything, we show them that they matter.”

Volunteer Opportunities

Blue Water Mortgage & The Pass Along Project

Blue Water Mortgage is a proud sponsor of The Pass Along Project. In addition to providing financial support, Blue Water also hosts collection drives and is looking to partner with local realtors to distribute collection bags.

The Pass Along Project accepts gently used garments, including all types of shirts and pants. Blue Water employees also volunteer their time to help sort, bundle and distribute incoming clothing donations.

“We are very excited to support The Pass Along Project,” said Jeff Davis, founder and partner at Blue Water. “We’re proud of Lynette and honored to be part of such an important program. The Pass Along Project truly makes a difference for the children of New Hampshire.”

Facts About The Pass Along Project & Foster Care in New Hampshire

  • In 2019, The Pass Along Project served 358 children who entered foster care with nothing.
  • The Pass Along Project increased its delivery capacity from three to eight delivery areas and is very close to serving the entire eastern half of the state.
  • Reports indicate that 75% of children removed from homes are placed with foster families who provide care until the courts can decide the next steps.
  • The average foster child spends two years in state care.
  • The most immediate burden on a foster family is the reality that children do not come with anything — literally just the clothes on their back.
  • About 1,600 children enter foster care each year in New Hampshire, a figure that continues to grow.
  • The Pass Along Project is all about “controlled growth,” meaning that before they can spread the word in certain areas, they must be fully set to deliver within the 24-hour turnaround time the project is known for.
  • According to a Facebook poll of 74 foster parents conducted by The Pass Along Project, of the 200 placements reported, 90% came with nothing or clothing not suitable for wearing.

The Pass Along Project accepts donations of gently used clothing and shoes at these locations:

Lend a Helping Hand

Opportunities With The Pass Along Project 

 

There are a variety of ways to get involved. Here’s how you can help:

  • Volunteer to pick up/drop off clothes
  • Host a clothing collection drive
  • Sort clothing into bundles
  • Volunteer to be a drop zone for clothes
  • Sponsor a clothing bundle
  • Provide financial donations that can be used to buy new socks and underwear
  • Wash, dry, and fold gently donated clothing

The Pass Along Project would not be possible without the assistance and support from the community. “The phrase ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ has never been truer than when speaking about New Hampshire’s abused and neglected children,” Lynette said. “How can you help if you aren’t in a position to become a foster parent? The Pass Along Project is the answer. Whether it’s donating clothing, shopping clearance sales, helping to sort clothes or joining our project development team – there is an opportunity for everyone to lend a hand, whether you’re just one person or an entire company, like Blue Water Mortgage.”

 

Sign Up to Volunteer

Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent?

 

Becoming a foster parent is a special experience that gives you an opportunity to make a difference.

Most children enter foster care as a result of abuse and neglect, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. In many cases, the children do return to their families.

There are many benefits to becoming a foster parent:

  • You provide a life-changing environment that is safe, secure and loving.
  • You make a difference not only with a child and family – but also within the community.
  • Serving as a foster parent often makes it easier and quicker to adopt if that’s a direction you’d like to explore.

A foster care license is also required, and foster parents need to complete the Foster & Adoptive Care Essentials (FACES) training. These informative, convenient educational sessions take place throughout the state, so you can find dates and locations that works for you!

Being a foster parent is a challenging experience, but it’s a worthwhile and rewarding one that can make a positive, lasting impact on the life of a child – and on your own.

Learn More