Hometown Hero: Wanda Etheridge
The Dallas Children's Advocacy Center helps children heal, and the most severely sexually and physically abused children in Dallas County are referred there for help.
The young clients are newborns to 17 years of age, and their siblings are also eligible for help. So far this year, 2,058 children have been helped.
Through the center, the children tell their stories of their abuse to law enforcement and medical officials in a safe, child-friendly environment.
Then, a therapy program is established to meet the needs of each child.
Because crises take these children out of their homes, they only have the clothes their wearing.
That's where Wanda Etheridge and the clothes closet come in – new clothes, shoes, toys and baby items are donated by companies and individuals.
Miss Wanda, as the kids call her, is one of the people keeping the clothes closet in order. She worked for accounting firm KPMG, which supports Dallas Children's Advocacy Center with donations.
That's how Wanda was introduced to the agency. She was impressed by the work DCAC does.
When she retired, she decided to volunteer on Tuesdays. She's been there for a year and a half and loves it because "the child always comes first.”
If you'd like to volunteer or donate new clothes, toys or baby items, call 214-818-2633 or log on to www.volunteer@dcac.org