PlattForm has a couple charities of choice that we work with throughout the year.  One of them is TLC, a local shelter for battered and abused children.  TLC approached us about partnering up a couple years ago because we were next door neighbors.  At the time, it sounded like a unique and exciting endeavor.

PlattForm has grown increasingly civic-minded over the past few years.  It’s been interesting to watch the evolution of our philanthropic undertakings.  One thing is certain, however.  PlattFormers love to get out of the building.  And spending time with the kids at TLC is just the ticket.  PFormers will find any ol’ excuse to have a party and TLC wouldn’t have it any other way.  From shooting hoops to decorating Xmas cookies, no event was too big or too small.  During our first few events, the kids would not come out from their dorm rooms.  It must have looked a little odd for a bunch of over-the-hill 30-somethings to be playing bean-bag toss.  But eventually the kids came around and joined in the festivities.

All these kids have amazing, yet horrendous, stories of survival.  Most are shy and see any adult as the enemy, so clearly we have our work cut out for us.  But most PFormers are really overgrown 12-year olds at heart – so it seems to work out well.  PlattForm managed to score them new basketball hoops for their playground last year.  Talk about winning them over.  Hmm, what would have happened if we got them a Wii?

Last week, Team Phil headed over to make Valentine cookies with the kids.  It seems like a simple gesture, but the kids really get in to it.  Last year when we made actual Valentines, it was a sea of red construction paper, glitter, glue and markers.  Teen spirit ran high trying to decide who will be the recipient of said Valentine.  Teen angst also ran amuck when a kid can’t decide who to give a Valentine.  (Uh, we told them they could make more than one.  Problem solved.)

Little by little, the kids at TLC are warming up to us.  Baby steps, you know.  With a lotta love and a little TLC (so to speak), they’ll be able to get past this rough patch in their life.  And, hopefully, all of us at Team Phil take pride in the fact we brightened their day in some small way.