The White Sands Missile Range Tiny Tykes program held a grand re-opening Feb. 9 at the Army Community Services building in conjunction with an open house for The Kids Closet.

WSMR Tiny Tikes grand re-opening and The Kids Closet open house

The White Sands Missile Range Tiny Tykes program held a grand re-opening Feb. 9 at the Army Community Services building in conjunction with an open house for The Kids Closet.

Tiny Tykes is part of the New Parent Support Program as part of the Family Advocacy Program and The Kids Closet offers gently used clothing for kids up to age 15.

Amanda Carreras, Family Advocacy Program Manager for ACS, said the Tiny Tykes playgroup is for ages 0 to 3 years old and new families with young children where they can learn how to bond within their family dynamics and help children build resiliency.

She said the program offers age-appropriate developmental activities and open play with other children the same age.

Carreras said the program had been closed for a couple of years because of a vacancy and COVID.

She is working on a schedule that will work for parents to offer the playgroup every week.

The Family Advocacy Program works to help prevent and break the cycle of violence and improve family functions by delivering educational programs, enhance skills that strengthen family relationships and offer services to support everyday demands of parenting.

“We provide these engagement opportunities for families to bring awareness and help prevent domestic violence, child abuse and neglect,” Carreras said.

“They can come here and learn new parenting skills and how to better guide their children with boundaries.”

As part of the event The Kids Closet (formerly Baby Strong) also held an open house.

Adriana Tkachenko, a volunteer and Secretary for the White Sands Missile Range Spouse Community Organization, said the WSSCO is a charity organization led by spouse volunteers aiming to support the WSMR community through The Kids Closet program and other activities that make a positive impact and helps them give back to the community, the Real Housewives of WSMR, military units and Las Cruces Public Schools.

The Kids Closet is a program open to everyone on post to come select gently used clothing items for children ages 0 to 15 years old. This includes clothes, shoes, diapers, baby items. No perishable items, nor car seats or strollers. Anyone on post is welcome to pick up needed items.

Donations are taken every Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. They also take backpacks, diaper bags, and other items. Volunteers are welcome to help on Thursdays.

Tkachenko said any overstock items are donated to local churches, shelters, and refugee programs.

The Kids Closet is open every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Membership for WSSCO will begin in May. Any spouses who wish to join WSSCO can contact President Carolina Winnegan or Vice President Jackie Lauterbach at (575) 652-9782. You can also check out their website at Wsscorganization.com.

The Real Housewives of WSMR is a club for spouses affiliated with WSMR employees and service members to join and participate in team building events.

Members are asked to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours a month at The Kids Closet program or any fundraising events.

By Miriam Rodriguez

WSMR Public Affairs