Our service mission is to assist local charities, children's services, and community projects that promote child advocacy, parent education, and support of our public schools. We look to participate in service projects that involve our children in hands-on experiences. Our families will work to lessen the burdens of others while gaining an improved appreciation for their own lives and a lifetime appreciation for those people and groups that serve our communities every day.

Some of our Service projects slated for the 2010–2011 SECPTA year include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Adopt A Family: This is our annual holiday assistance drive. Gift donation tags will be made available in early Fall to assist several local families through the Solon and Twinsburg school districts. Donations of gift cards, any denomination, for local clothing/home goods/groceries stores can be brought to any General or Board meeting throughout the SECPTA year as well.
• West Side Catholic Center: WSCC (www.helpcleveland.org) responds to men, women and children in Cleveland who have critical assistance needs. WSCC offers a drop-in center that provides cold and hot meals, street survival services such as showers and medical attention, clothing and household items, and professional services. WSCC also offers a women and children's shelter as well as housing solutions. Donations of the following items can be brought to any Board or General meeting from August through November:
• New or unused toiletries for men, women and children: soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste/brushes, disposable razors, diapers, wipes, etc.
• New or gently used clothing for men, women and children including socks and underwear
• New or gently used household items such as tableware, pots and pans, can openers, toasters, small radios, blankets, bath and kitchen towels, etc.
• Gently used eye glasses, duffle bags, backpacks, sleeping bags, umbrellas, etc.
• Project Night Night: Project Night Night (www.projectnightnight.org) provides nighttime comforts to children in homeless shelters. Packages are assembled locally that include an age appropriate book, blanket, and a stuffed animal: products donated can be new or like new. Donations of the following items can be brought to any Board or General meeting throughout the SECPTA year:
• New fleece material (patterned or solid) in 1 yard pieces
• New or gently used blankets
• New or gently used children's books (please ensure that none require batteries)
• New or gently used stuffed animals (please ensure that none have a date sewn into them)
• Womankind: Womankind Maternal and Prenatal Care Center (www.womankindcleveland.com) is a free prenatal clinic in Garfield Heights staffed primarily by volunteers that meets the medical and emotional needs of women who are pregnant or think they might be. This organization helps women with referrals for issues such as adoption, legal and psychiatric assistance, and drug treatment. Donations of the following items can be brought to any Board or General meeting throughout the SECPTA year:
• New or gently used maternity clothing
• New or gently used Infant clothing from newborn through size 2T
• New or unopened baby supplies such as diapers, wipes or formulas

Sincere appreciation goes out to all of our members who have offered terrific suggestions! If you have any suggestions, please contact the Service Committee at service@solonearlychildhood.pta.com.

Service Project with Project Night Night 2009–2010