2024 was humbling. It was overwhelming. It was inspiring to see how you - The #barefootneighborhood - came together to make a difference. You didn’t hesitate when I brought a new idea your way. In fact, you asked me for more ways to help. We have come together to use this platform for good. 

So what did we accomplish together? 

image1.jpeg
image2.jpeg
image3.jpeg
image4.jpeg
image5.jpeg
Photos from Beds For a Year

Beds for a Year: A Birthday Wish Come True

What started as a simple birthday wish two years ago to provide 40 beds for kids in foster care has grown into something truly special. 

For my 42nd birthday last year,  I hoped to provide Elijah’s Closet enough beds for a full year. Elijah’s Closet is a non-profit organization, led by Nikki Williams, who are passionate about  helping kids and families on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Beds continue to be the most in-demand item they  provide. Over the course of two weeks, we donated 659 complete beds and cribs, along with additional supplies, saving Elijah's Closet over $162,000, allowing them to focus on their mission of helping kids

Lauren Smith from Elijah’s Closet called this effort “an answer to prayer,” and it’s easy to see why. These donations are a lifeline for children and foster families during emergency placements, giving them a fresh start without worrying about supplies.

Lauren Smith, Elijah’s Closet Development Director

“I think I can speak on behalf of the whole board of Elijah’s Closet that things like this, like what Matthew Bounds is doing for us, is an answer to prayer.”

Backpack Buddies: Feeding Our Future

We didn’t stop at beds. In 2024, we also teamed up with Backpack Buddies to make sure kids who rely on free or reduced lunches have food during holidays and over the weekends.

Here’s what we did:

  • Fulfilled Pineville Elementary’s June food wishlist in just 15 minutes, replenishing it several times so we could provide food through Thanksgiving break. 

  • We then received another list, that you helped fulfill in less than an hour, and those items kept kids in our community fed through the holiday break. We were also able to give the kids holiday goodies and treats! 

By stepping up, we made sure kids here on the Coast had full bellies and happy hearts.

Here are some other ways we supported our community: 

  • January: We donated $33,000 towards Elijah’s Closet building fund over a weekend.

  • May: You bought out an Amazon Wish List for Camp Able Coast, a week long summer camp for differently abled kids.

  • September: We spent a week finding ways to help the victims of Hurricane Helene by:

    • Shopping at Sam’s to send supplies to the affected areas

    • Donating money to nonprofits working in the affected areas

    • Purchasing items on Amazon Wish Lists

    • Donating blood

Camp Able 2.jpeg
Community 2.jpeg
Community 3.jpeg
Community.jpeg
Camp Able.jpeg
c4.jpeg
c5.jpeg
c6.jpeg
c7.jpeg
c8.jpeg
c9.jpeg
c10.jpeg
c11.jpeg
c12.jpeg

Together, We’re Changing Lives

Last year, we showed how powerful kindness can be. Over 650 kids now have a safe place to sleep, families feel supported, and kids in our own backyard know they’re cared for.

As we look ahead to 2025, let’s keep this momentum going. Whether it’s giving, volunteering, or spreading the word, there’s a place for everyone in this Neighborhood. Keep watching for how we can help our community in 2025, including a permanent merch store that will be supporting our fundraising efforts.