HOW CAN YOU HELP NEW LOCAL MOMS MEET CHALLENGES
Difficult times have always been with us, but the present economic climate finds more and more young families struggling to make ends meet. Regrettably, the happy prospect of bringing a new baby into the world brings even more financial challenges. Many expectant moms and families are unable to provide even the basic essentials that will provide warmth and security for their newborn.
Although a dresser drawer can become a temporary crib, and nutrition resources are available through a federally funded program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), there are very few means in place to supply suitable clothing and cozy blankets for vulnerable babies.
Several years ago, while working as a nurse visiting at-risk pregnant women and babies, this shortcoming became very apparent to me. New moms sometimes brought their babies home in a T-shirt and receiving blanket provided by the hospital with nothing beyond that at home. Many of these women had no social support or plans for the future. They felt hopeless and isolated. I felt illequipped to assist them.
Flash-forward to the birth of my grandson, and a realization that other parents and their infants are generously supplied and are looking for ways to reuse the many items of clothing and blankets that their babies barely used before outgrowing them. Many of these individuals were searching for a way to pass these treasured items forward so they could clothe another less fortunate baby. In 2011, I teamed with a nurse colleague and Gently Hugged was born.
Gently Hugged is a local, grassroots 501(c)(3) allvolunteer organization that provides clothing, blankets and other essential supplies to San Diego County newborns in need. Collection bins for gently used and new blankets and clothing in sizes newborn to 1 year are located throughout the county. Businesses, organizations and schools conduct recurring clothing drives.
All items donated are freshly washed and checked to ensure they are like new and without blemish. A new board book for reading to baby along with parenting guidelines are also supplied in each easy-to-transport reusable canvas tote bag.
Other talented and willing hands add their support by providing handmade items such as quilts, knitted blankets, hats, bibs and booties, to give an extra touch of love and caring to each package.
Each item is folded and meticulously packed before completed bags are delivered to hospitals and social service agencies at 25 sites. They are then distributed by nurses, social workers and other professionals to families unable to provide sufficient clothing for their newborn. We have no firsthand contact with the clients, but social workers relate that each item is admired by the new mom, and she typically sheds tears of joy in realizing that someone cares.
In its 11 years of operation, Gently Hugged has clothed over 6,200 newborns who would otherwise go without. More than 4 tons of clothing items have been reused and 800 infants clothed in this year alone.
Over time it has become apparent to me that the human benefit of one charity often reaches beyond its mission and the individuals it serves.
For example, at Gently Hugged, clothing donors are given a worthwhile way to recycle precious items and honor their memories. Kaitlyn Bradley, a mom of three boys, recently wrote: “Please know that it’s not only the ones receiving the clothes that you are helping. You are helping moms like me who love knowing that something they hold dear will continue to help San Diego families. You are also helping teach the youth to donate and help those in need. We came home today and my oldest went through his toys deciding what ones to donate to kids who need them.”
In addition, local businesses, clubs and organizations give back in a meaningful fashion to the community that supports them by hosting collection bins and conducting clothing drives.
Over 100 willing volunteers are also given a path to use their unique skills and interests in a new way by choosing a role that fulfills a particular need within the organization.
And many seniors tell us they are given a new lease on life by putting idle hands to use when they knit, crochet and sew lovingly handmade items for babies.
All of these good things happen while grateful recipients are provided with encouragement and hope for the future, along with comfort and warmth for their precious little bundle.
Please visit gentlyhugged.org to see how you can help!
Many parents of infants are happy to let others reuse all the items of clothing and blankets that their babies used before outgrowing them.