Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Shelter Shop

The Shelter Shop provides customers the opportunity to purchase new and gently-used apparel, toys, furnishings, home goods and seasonal items while generating revenue to fulfill the mission of The Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter.

2700 W Walnut, Rogers, AR
(479) 202-5230
Store hours: Tuesday through Saturday
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Donate your unwanted merchandise to provide HOPE for kids in crisis. We gladly accept good, saleable-condition clothing, toys, home goods, accessories, books, seasonal items and furniture. Donations are currently being accepted Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

If you or your small group are interested in volunteering at The Shelter Shop, please sign up for your desired day and time via the links below. Children ages 10 and older are welcome to volunteer, if they are accompanied by an adult. Youth ages 16 and older can volunteer on their own. All children and teens must have this form completed and signed by a parent prior to volunteering.

If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Marlo Hamilton, Community Engagement Manager, at mhamilton@nwacs.org or 479.795.2417 ext 310.

Sign up here as a Shelter Shop volunteer!

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

Due to a rough childhood, I had lost all hope in life. The Shelter changed my life for the better. I’ve been given opportunities I never, ever thought I could get in life.”

Rhiannon, age 17

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

Marly, age 12

While at the Shelter, I went from an 8th grade math level to almost a 12th grade level. I’m pretty proud of that.

Tasha, age 17