Closing the Year with Love & Gratitude!

As we close out the year and move into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the power of space and how profoundly it shapes our sense of safety, belonging, and possibility.

The holidays can be especially hard for families in transition. A calm, dignified space can make all the difference, offering comfort, stability, and hope for what’s ahead. At A Lotta Love, every room we create through intentional, trauma-informed design is a small act of healing.

Stepping into the role of Executive Director in November has been both an honor and a joy. Over the past several weeks, I’ve witnessed firsthand the heart, talent, and dedication that fuel this organization from our volunteers and board, to our partners, student groups, and donors who show up again and again with compassion and creativity. Each makeover reminds me that when a community comes together, transformation happens far beyond the four walls of a room.

Last month, we celebrated our inaugural annual fundraiser, All You Need Is Love, a night that beautifully reflected the heart of this community. Your generosity at this event was incredible and is already fueling more room makeovers, deeper partnerships, and new ways to ensure that families, women, and children across North Carolina feel seen, supported, and cared for.

As we look toward 2026, I’m excited to share more about our growing impact, our trauma-informed design work, and the inspiring people who make this movement possible, including a detailed look back at what we achieved together this past year.

And as we enter this season of giving, I invite you to make an end-of-year gift to help us continue creating spaces where hope can grow. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, peaceful holiday season.

Thank you for welcoming me into this community. I’m grateful for all the love you share and all the love still to come.

With Love, 
Tina Clossick
Executive Director, A Lotta Love

Our inaugural All You Need Is Love fundraiser was a joyful, heartfelt celebration of our mission and because of you, we’re thrilled to share that we surpassed our goal, raising more than $50,000. Your generosity is already fueling a stronger year ahead, filled with more healing and dignified spaces for families in crisis.

Now, as we head into the final weeks of the year, we’re working to raise an additional $20,000 to expand what’s possible in 2026 and we need your help to get there.

We are excited to share that a generous donor has stepped forward with a $10,000 matching gift, bringing us halfway to our year-end goal and doubling the impact of donations made between now and December 31.

Your gift today — of any amount — will help us unlock the full match and reach our year-end goal.

Families Moving Forward

Thanks to the incredible team at Johnson Lambert, three shelter rooms at Families Moving Forward in Durham were completely reimagined — each one filled with color, care, and intentional trauma-informed design.

For the families moving in, these rooms represent far more than new furniture or décor. They offer dignity, safety, and a healing environment where children can play, parents can breathe, and everyone can begin imagining what’s possible again.

Urban Ministries of Durham

This beautiful makeover at Urban Ministries of Durham was made possible through a partnership with The Durham Backpack Project. The transformation was generously funded in honor of “Grammy” Gallagher, whose love for this work continues to shine through every room she inspired. 

Even in a small room, intentional trauma-informed design can create a space that feels calm, safe, and truly welcoming — a place a family can call home.

HomeStart in Chapel Hill

This makeover holds deep meaning for A Lotta Love — HomeStart was the very first shelter we partnered with in 2014 and the place where our mission began. Returning to transform a room here felt like coming home.

Led by Founder Lotta Sjoelin alongside dedicated volunteers, the space was refreshed with new paint, thoughtful storage, and comforting details. Generous donations from Small Hands Big Hearts, Handle With Care for Kids, Restoration Hardware Outlet, and Spoonflower helped create a room filled with warmth, function, and love — ready to welcome a family into a safe and nurturing new beginning.

Each year, The Hero Awards celebrate extraordinary individuals and partners who go above and beyond to advance A Lotta Love’s mission. These honorees bring compassion, dedication, and unwavering support to families experiencing homelessness and their impact is reflected in every room we transform.

We are delighted to announce this year’s recipients:

Volunteer Hero: Susan Allison

Susan has been a true force of love and leadership this year. Her steady presence, willingness to step in wherever needed, and deep commitment to families have strengthened our work in countless ways. Susan embodies the very heart of A Lotta Love, and we are honored to recognize her remarkable contributions.

Partnership Hero: The Building Community Fund

For three years, Kelly and Kyle Hunter have generously invested in A Lotta Love through the Building Community Fund, helping fuel room makeovers, expand our reach, and increase the stability we can offer families in crisis. Their sustained partnership reflects a profound belief in our mission and a deep commitment to community.

Thank you for showing up, lifting us up, and helping us bring dignity and comfort to families across North Carolina. Every act of generosity, from a fresh coat of paint to a year-end gift fuels this mission.

We’re grateful for you, and we’re stronger together.

Our Contact Information
A Lotta Love
PO BOX 4331, Chapel Hill NC 27515
(203)451-0963
https://www.alottalove.org/

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