Ciavolino has been accepting donations of new clothing for children, along with shoes, diapers, school supplies and bookbags, to ensure that each child in need receives two full outfits, including shoes and underwear, along with school and hygiene supplies.

"I've received 2,276 requests, and so far about 2,000 kids have gotten at least something," Ciavolino said. "I still owe some of them another outfit or a pair of shoes."

Ciavolino created Just 4 Kids 14 years ago to ensure that each Monroe County child has the basic needs. Teachers, counselors and social workers send referrals to Ciavolino when they see a child in need, along with shelters and government agencies.

She opened boxes Wednesday from a Montessori school in Sarasota that contained blankets, stuffed animals and diapers. The World Wood Bat Association in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sent a box of T-shirts and a couple from Burlington, Vt., was vacationing in the Keys last week and spent $500 on clothing, diapers and other children's needs.

"The man told me that he remembered living on food stamps and struggling," Ciavolino said. "And now he was in a position to help."

The donations come in and go out all year long, but Hurricane Wilma made the need, and the generosity, even greater.

My Key West Emergency Relief Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, granted $10,000 to Just 4 Kids, which Ciavolino plans to use for twin beds, cribs and linens. The relief fund has already distributed more than $300,000 to local nonprofit agencies to help people who live south of the Seven-Mile Bridge.

"The fund is only being distributed to nonprofit agencies, not to individuals," said Christine Rodriguez of the Community Foundation. "It is designed to meet the basic needs of people impacted by Hurricane Wilma."

Once the beds and linens are taken care of, Ciavolino plans to tackle Christmas.

Last year, Just 4 Kids provided Christmas gifts for 640 kids, and Ciavolino expects that number to double this year.

"But I'm not worried," she said. "Everyone will be covered and taken care of so we can do at least three gifts per child."

Ciavolino will receive lists of children from schools, shelters and other sources. She then cross checks the lists to avoid duplications, and ensures that each child can celebrate Christmas.

Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy Tony Campagna ensures that the bags of gifts get to a child's home or to that child's school.

Many local individuals and businesses help with the Christmas project, and restaurant owner Fred Tillman each year makes sure that the high school students on Ciavolino's list each receive a portable CD player, Ciavolino said.

Donations of money or of new, unwrapped toys are being collected at TIB locations, First State Bank locations and at Horace O'Bryant Middle School's guidance office.

Volunteers will be needed in the coming weeks to sort and wrap toys. For more information, or to volunteer, Please Contact Us.