This program was created to fulfill a vision for Watauga County that was near and dear to our daughter Kelle’s heart. As a social worker, Kelle was aware that many children lacked beds and bedding, and were forced to sleep on floors, chairs, or in crowded beds. As a young mother herself, this was troubling and she became passionate about developing a community based project to address this need. Unfortunately, Kelle was unable to sheperd this vision to fruition, as she unexpectedly passed away in her sleep on September 21, 2016. For many years, Kelle had been dealing with chronic pain related to a back injury, and was prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines to control her pain and anxiety. At the time she was given this combination of drugs, the dangers of subsequent addiction were not well recognized. Despite her efforts to free herself from this dependence, she fell victim to what is now acknowledged as an epidemic in our country. Kelle’s family is committed to supporting education and legislation designed to change opioid prescribing practices and increase awareness and treatment for the thousands of individuals caught in this terrible epidemic. We are equally committed to enacting Kelle’s vision to provide children in need with their own beds. Our daughter was a loving and caring woman and a beautiful light in our lives. We want that light to shine on in reflection of her passion for children, as well as her love for and service to Watauga County. The idea for Kelle’s Krib was born in 2010, when Kelle Broome Muehleib was a young MSW with DSS in Arlington, VA. It was nearing Christmas when she paid a visit to a family with two children. When Kelle asked the little girl what she might like for Christmas, the child answered “a bed”. A nearby church bought new beds for both children, and took care of that family’s Christmas. To hear a child ask for a bed for Christmas is a heartbreaking experience and not soon forgotten. That same year, we contacted the Watauga Hunger and Health Coalition and bought beds for a few families. I learned that the number of children ( and adults) who really do not have a bed is shocking to those of us who take going to bed for granted. Our family made this a Christmas tradition, and Kelle began to talk about working with the Hunger and Health Coalition to make it a year round program. Kelle’s Krib has been in existence since June of 2017. We started off slowly, using donations from our business, or church, and close friends. As word got around, “business” increased and this led to the first annual Kelle’s Krib Fundraiser in 2018. What a success! We raised a stunning $15,000. Our silent auction was made possible because of the generosity of our local business and arts community. Our 2019 event was met with equal enthusiasm, and we are preparing to expand our service to include children’s outer wear, along with baby care items, including car seats and strollers. Kelle’s Krib receives referrals from the Children’s Council, as well as the Hunger and Health Coalition. The recipients are evaluated by the professionals in these organizations to determine the level of need. The Children’s Council works closely with Oasis, Inc., and we are now able to provide aid to these mothers and their children who arrive in emergent need of help. As of the end of December, Kelle’s Krib has provide more than 200 new cribs, twin beds, and bedding. We are growing steadily, and expect 2020 to be our busiest year. How I wish the opposite were true! But the need is greater than ever. Kelle’s Krib is here to meet that need. In doing that, we honor our daughter’s memory in the best way possible.
