I talked late last year about finding a family/mother to give our baby gear to; someone who legitimately had a need. I did find a person for all of the big stuff. I won’t divulge her story as she’s a private person but she (and her family) are great people who faced a hard issue. They are now happily expecting another child this coming summer. They received almost all of our maternity clothes, all disposable diapers that were gifted to us that we did not use, our stroller/infant car seat combo, extra car seat, Bumbo, bouncy seat and Exersaucer. It felt good to pay it forward.

But I’ve been wanting to stay involved in that way. In fact, I’ve needed to stay involved. Perhaps need is too strong of a word but, if you know me, you might understand. Giving back is just what I do. I remember not having the “stuff” to parent and feeling very overwhelmed. I don’t like knowing that other mothers and fathers face that as well. As such, I’ve wanted to do something to continue to help families. But what?

A new resource in our area has started. Big Hearts, Little Hands is the name and helping young families is the game. While there is no abortion information given through this center, there is also no adoption information. It exists strictly to pass the “stuff” of parenting on to families who are in need of such things in the hopes of helping young families get on their feet. It’s something that I stand by 100%. And I’m wanting to help.

I’m rounding up donations to take to the center on February 13th (2009, folks). While I plan on rounding up everything we have that falls into the proper categories and purchasing some other things, I thought maybe my readers have some stuff laying around or would like to donate some new stuff as well.

What’s needed?

• Maternity clothes of all sizes.
• Diapers, size newborn and 1.
• Sleepers and onesies, size 0-3 months.
• Bibs.
• Receiving blankets.
• Baby wash.
• Wipes.

I know that our family has a billion and one bibs, onesies, sleepers and blankets. Does yours? Would you be interested in purchasing a blanket or a package of diapers? I will be asking our church and posting an ad for those interested in some local networks. But I couldn’t NOT ask blog readers here. I know so many of you have similar passions.

Anyway, if you are interested in getting something to me by Monday, February 9th (I MUST have it in hand by then as I’m delivering on Wednesday, February 11th), please contact me at jenna.hatfield@gmail.com with DONATIONS (in all caps, please) so I can flag them properly. I will actually be Vlogging the whole process for Mom It Forward so you will be able to see your donation enter the hands of Big Hearts, Little Hands. Also, if you have some ideas on how to get more donations rounded up (are you a company that would like to make a donation?), please let me know.

I’m actually hoping to make this donation “drive” a twice yearly thing; now and again in early fall. I’ve been waiting for something like this to come along in our specific area for quite some time. If you’ve been a long time reader, you’ve seen me talk about such a thing. The closest center like this was a 30 minute drive and had some questionable funding. While I did forward things we didn’t need or use (formula samples, as an example), it just never felt “right.”  While this particular program is based through a church building, “funding” is based solely on donations like what I am trying to do right now. The fact that there is no unethical adoption propaganda involved makes me confident that this is the right way for me to contribute right now. If you’d like to help, please do. You could help make that difference.

You really could Mom it Forward with me.

I Need Your Help is a post from The Chronicles of Munchkin Land. Want more Chronicles? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, please contact me or @ me on twitter.