Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Needs List

Our Current Needs

We are so grateful to the Northwest Arkansas community for their generosity. It is only with community support that we can continue to provide a safe haven and loving care to the children who need us the most. Click the buttons below to find out how you can help meet the needs of the children in our care.

Walmart Registry
2022 Holiday Wish List

Kitchen Needs
Real butter
Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
American cheese, sliced
Cheese sticks
Little Cuties (mandarin oranges)
Pop Tarts
Peanut butter crackers
Individual bags of chips
Individual packs of cookies

Miscellaneous Needs
Sports bras – L, XL and XXL
Lip balm
White copy paper
Paper towels
Cetaphil lotion
Water bottles
Bleach
Large and XL Nitrile gloves
Books in Spanish for children and teens
Science kits
Large Lego sets
Puzzles – 250-500 pieces
Coloring books for teens
“How to Draw” books for teens
Gift cards for Malco Theater, DEFY Trampoline park, Fast Lane Entertainment, and other local attractions

Drop Off Donations

Two drop off locations are available:

Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter
860 NW Vaughn Road
Bentonville, AR 72713
Donations are accepted Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

The Shelter Shop
2700 W Walnut
Rogers, AR 72758
Donations are accepted Tuesday – Saturday 10-5.

Thank you so much for your support of our kids!

Wesley

“I love it here. I don’t want to be anywhere else. This is the best place I’ve ever been.” The sentiment above was recently shared by a 14-year-old named Wesley*. At first, we were thrilled to hear it. We were so glad that he felt safe and comfortable here at the Shelter. That means that […]

Read more about WesleyImpact stories

Meet Wesley

“I love it here. I don’t want to be anywhere else. This is the best place I’ve ever been.”

The sentiment above was recently shared by a 14-year-old named Wesley*. At first, we were thrilled to hear it. We were so glad that he felt safe and comfortable here at the Shelter. That means that we’re doing our job well. That means that we’re fulfilling our mission.

Right?

But then, as what he said began to sink in, it actually made us very sad. Shouldn’t this young man want to be in a home? Shouldn’t he want to be part of a family? So, why, out of all the places he has been, does he want to be here?

His understanding of home and family is so much different than ours. A home, to him, means conflict and struggle.  It means constantly being hyper aware and ready to fight or flee at any moment. It means feeling alone and frightened, but never being able to show fear or weakness. It means growing up way too fast.

At the Shelter, Wesley is surrounded by people who care about him, 24 hours a day. He has a routine and knows what to expect from day to day. He never has to question whether he will have clean clothing or enough to eat. He knows that his education is important and that his teachers will do everything they can to keep him on track. He knows that we want him to have the best future possible.

We wish every child in Arkansas had a loving, supportive home. We wish we could close the doors of the Shelter forever. Unfortunately, there will always be children like Wesley. To him, the Shelter is more of a family than he has ever known. So, we will keep our doors open, and our arms open even wider, for the children who need us.

*name and image changed to protect privacy

I rode on a tire swing for the first time!

Mitchell, age 10

I’m so glad that I got to spend my 12th birthday here at the Shelter. It was truly the best!

Marly, age 12

The Shelter is a perfect placement for all ages. It’s a safe place where all of my needs were met so I could spend more time on things I needed to work on – like graduating! The Shelter helped me so much!

Danielle, age 16