This is Bonnie

When you enter the doors of Mothers Helping Mothers, you are greeted by volunteers who give of their time and talents to make the organization run.  In fact, everyone you meet who "works there" is a volunteer.  I recently talked to a volunteer named Bonnie.  She is very reluctant to have her picture taken, but she is one hard worker!  She sorts through all of the doantions that come in and put them in the right places (she is one busy woman!) 

When asked why she volunteers, Bonnie told me "I lost my job and was faced with a choice.  I could either sit at home and mope or volunteer for a worthwhile organization and I chose the later."  In fact, Bonnie was recommended to Mothers Helping Mothers while volunteering at another organization.  "I was volunteering at the Salvation Army and another volunteer told me about Mothers Helping Mothers.  I really enjoy volunteering at MHM.  I simply enjoy helping others," she said.

Gratitude

During the holiday season, Mothers Helping Mothers is the beneficiary of so much kindness from the community and we are truly thankful.  We love when people clean out their closets and give us their gently used items.  The toys, books and stuffed animals look so nice sitting up on the shelves and clothes are carefully sorted and put hanging on the racks.  More importantly, it gives our clients so much to look through and helps brighten their holiday season.   Imagine if you did not have enough money to purchase even the smallest of gifts for your family.  The clients that we serve do not have to use their imagination for this is their harsh reality.  They struggle to simply put food on the table.  Thanks to the kindness of strangers, we hope to brighten the spirits of these families.  Our hearts are full of gratitude and truly thankful for the kindness that we will share with our clients! 

PS- Please remember Mothers Helping Mothers needs your help all year!

Thank you to Beall's for donating NEW clothes to us!

Thanks to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Incarnation Church for the NEW toys for our families!

More toys!

Thank you for the many toy donations

Full bookshelves thanks to you!

Help Needed!

As a loyal supporter, you can assist Mothers Helping Mothers in many ways.  Of course there is the financial donation which helps a TON, but there are also a variety of ways that you can help that don't cost you a thing!  

DONATE YOUR ITEMS!   As you can see, we have some empty shelves that you could help us fill!  Mothers Helping Mothers is in need of all things children, but especially books, children and teen clothing and maternity clothing.  Please go through the closets in your home and clean out the gently used items that you no longer use.  We need them!  Please also do the same with your children's items and feel good knowing that the items will be going to less fortunate families! 

VOLUNTEER!  Mothers Helping Mothers will be open the fourth Saturday of the month for clients who are employed. October 22nd is our next date, and we are looking for volunteers to come in that Saturday from 8:45 to 11:30. If we are not that busy with clients (Saturday opening is new), we fold, hang, the usual stuff that we do. If you are available, even for just a couple of hours, please call Mary Lou Feldman at 377-1964 or email at mloufeldman@yahoo.com. Thanks for your help!

Let the photos do the talking

Who needs words when there are faces like this to share?  

Little Helper

This little cutie, Isabella, is often spotted at Mothers Helping Motehrs helping grandmother Silvia with her volunteer duties.  Silvia has been a volunteer for almost two years, which also happens to be the age of Isabella.  When asked why she volunteers, Silvia replied "When my daughter was pregnant, Mothers Helping Mothers was there to help every step of the way.  They were so generous to my daughter.  I wanted to give back to them so I began volunteering," she said.  "I come in on a regular basis and often help out with pickups.  This is a great place to volunteer!"

Priorities

Monica will be the first one to tell you that her kids come first…no matter what.  She is mother  to 5 kids- ages 17, 14, 13, 11 and 5 years.  During our conversation I learned that Monica had to leave her job because of her children’s repeated illness.  She mentioned that things were very tight with her not working, but that her kids are her first priority and that she wants to be there for them.  “Mothers Helping Mothers has done so much for my family that I really can’t put it into words.”  Monica told me that MHM has helped her so very much and she is unsure how she would provide for her family if it wasn’t for their generosity.  

So worth it

“Waiting in line for 2 hours was definitely worth it,” said Reyna on a recent trip to Mothers Helping Mothers.  She was one of many who waited for hours to enter through the doors and get much needed help for her family.  “It is so worth the wait.  Mothers Helping Mothers is a great place for helping mothers.  It would be very bad for my family if this organization did not exist.  I don’t even want to think about it.  There was a pregnant lady who waited even longer than I did,” she added.  Reyna picked up clothes, toys and diapers for her children.  She is just one of the many mothers who looked forward to the organization re-opening in August.  Mothers Helping Mothers is closed every July for cleaning, sorting and organizing.  With so many people coming through the doors, it is hard to find the time to do all of these things on a regular basis.  

Reyna and daughter Alondra

Alondra finding some goodies!