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!

Big Hearts Need Help Too!

On a recent trip to Mothers Helping Mothers a woman came up to me and asked if there were more 18 month clothes for boys.  I got her the full bin of clothing in that size and we began talking.  Her name was Heather and she was there in search of clothing for her son, daughter and nephew who also lived with her.  I quickly found out that I was talking to a woman who was doing her best to take care of her children and nephew with limited resources.  Heather told me that her nephew came to live with her after his mom couldn’t take care of him any longer.  “I am pleased to say that he is happy now,” she said. 

Having an extra mouth to feed and body to cloth is definitely a challenge for Heather and her family but they are doing the best they can. “Mothers Helping Mothers is such a resource for me.  It is a great place to go when tight on money and I always find what I need.  I just hope that everyone realizes what a great resource this is for the community and does not abuse it.”

Shoes, Shoes Everywhere!

A few weeks ago, we mentioned the wonderful donation of 1,000 pairs of shoes from the pediped foundation.  Take a look at the pictures below of some clients modeling their brand new shoes.  Thanks again pediped!



All in the Genes

Claire may look like a young mother, but she is really a volunteer babysitting a baby while the momma shops at Mothers Helping Mothers.  She has volunteered at Mothers Helping Mothers for as long as she can remember, but that is because her mother is one of the founders of the organization.  Even though it is family ties that brought her to the organization, Claire admits that she has learned a great deal as a volunteer.  “Volunteering at Mothers Helping Mothers has been an inspirational experience that has taught me a lot.  It has given me direction in my life and instilled in me the importance of helping others.  I may not know everything that my life has in store for me, but helping people will always be a part of who I am,” said Claire.

Books to the Rescue!

Alisa Mitchell, Outreach and Partnership Coordinator, from the Sarasota County Libraries Born to Read program came to the rescue of Mothers Helping Mothers with new books in hand!  Alisa walked into the door with boxes of new books for our families-what a gift!  When asked about the program Alisa commented that “through partnerships with community agencies that serve at risk population it is our hope that every family has a book to read to their children.”  I told her that she was like Santa Claus!  Now, don’t get me wrong we get many MANY wonderful donations from very generous people on a consistent basis, but new books are such a treat!  As the mother of a little boy, I know how much I treasure the time that he cuddles into my lap and we share in the adventures of a good book.  I just want that for all parents and children.  It is such a special time that I am able to share with my son and it really is the only time that he sits still in my lap.  Enough of my soapbox… When I asked Alisa more about the Born to Read program she commented, “I feel very fortunate to bring books to organizations like this since it is our hope that we can help parents be the first teachers for their children.  We want to inspire all families to have books in their homes and read to their children.”

Bare Shelves

Helping 453 clients in 6 days really does take a toll on an organization's supplies!  Don't get me wrong, we are incredibly thankful to have helped so many families, but our supplies are definitely depleted.  We still have resources for families and our volunteers are working stedily to restock the shelves.  If it is time to clean out the closet or de-clutter your children's toys and books, please feel free to bring us your gently used items.  We want to keep serving even more families and need your help to do so!  If you have a couple of free hours we would also love to have you volunteer!

Former home of TONS of stuffed animals!

Poor empty toy box

Clothes and shoes were here!  the other side of the shelves looks the same and was formerly home to lots of books!

Stylish Ride x 3

During my last vist to Mothers Helping Mothers, I began talking to Bo who is evidently very pregnant.  Little did I know that this glowing mama is expecting twins in addition to her four year old daughter.  When she found out that she was expecting twins, she was unsure of how they would provide for the new additions.  One of her main concerns was transporting her children from one place to another.  She voiced her concerns to MHM and they came to her rescue with a triple stroller!  Now she will be able to transport all of her children safely.  "Mothers Helping Mothers is a God send," said Bo.  I don't know what I would do without them.  Not only have I received clothes and necessities for the babies, but the stroller is just unbelieveable.  Thank you so much!" 



Leaving with the new stroller!




New shoes for the twins!





Worth the Wait

When I arrived at Mothers Helping Mothers the other day I was shocked at the magnitude of people waiting to get in the door.  There were people and cars everywhere!  Let me back up a moment to the actual driving into the parking lot (which was quite an interesting experience).   I had to circle the building once because there was no way to get into the parking lot.  There were people backing up onto 301 because they could not find a place to park.  I tried a second time and this time I made it into the parking lot- well kind of.  I turned in and quickly stepped on the brakes as someone was trying to exit through the same one lane area.  This is not normally a one lane area, but people were parked EVERYWHERE!  Through a careful dance of weaving in between cars, I made it to the back lot and was ready to unload my car.  Oh, I forgot to mention that my car was full of shoes that were donated and I could not see through any window due to the large amount of cargo.  After I was unloaded and settled, I ventured to chat with the women and children that were waiting in line to get into the building.  I talked to a few who told me that they had been waiting since 6:45 and they were not the first ones in line!  Let me tell you it was a HOT and HUMID day to say the least and the people in line were determined that nothing would stop them from getting in the door. 

Just a portion of the line

The parking lot entrance

When people ask if Mothers Helping Mothers really is needed in this community I will show them these pictures.  There are no words to describe the look of determination in the eyes of those in line or the look of satisfaction when they finally get into the doors.  This is an organization that serves a real need in this area and there are many who depend on the services provided by Mothers Helping Mothers.  This is a much needed organization and a place to turn for many who have no other place to go.

I went to write, but...

I went to Mothers Helping Mothers today to take pictures for the blog and find people to interview, but I was quickly distracted.  I thought it might happen, but I did not know how it would make me feel.  The distraction? Shoes!  Not just any shoes, but cute new kids shoes that were recently donated from a generous corporate foundation.  I brought the shoes (1,000 pairs to be exact) to Mothers Helping Mothers this morning since they were delivered to my house.  When I turned into the parking lot, I had to do a double take since there was a HUGE line in front of MHM and no place to park.  Let me be clear, people were parked all over the place and I actually had to pass up the location once and try a second time since people were backing out of the lot onto 301- that's how crazy it was!  Once inside, the craziness consumed me and I was on a mission to talk to people and take pictures and in my defense, I did that for a little bit.  Once it calemd down a little I received help unloading the shoes out of my car and we began sorting them. 

That's when the "Santa" gene took ahold of me and would not let go.  The shoes weren't officially being given out yet because we were so busy, but after I heard a few stories of customers I could not resist.  I began giving out shoes to perfect strangers in need and they were so thankful.  Many of these people have NEVER had anything new for their children.  One lady was about to have twins (a girl and a boy) and I gave her a pair for each.  She was so very thankful.  She said that her and her husband were unsure of how they would provide for the new babies (she already has an older daughter) but that blessings are just being poured upon her and her family.  The look in her eyes told me how thankful she was for the shoes.  A small gesture, but to her it was just another step in being able to provide for her unborn children.  This is just one of the many people that received new shoes for their children today.

Please DO NOT get the idea to go to Mothers Helping Mothers for new shoes for your children if you are not in need of assistance.  These shoes are meant for families who are unable to provide for their children on their own.  Although we do not have all sizes, clients are truly thankful for what they receive.  Even today, some parents learned that we may only have the correct size for one of their five children.  The smile on the mother's face was just as big for that one pair of new shoes as she would have been for five pairs.

This is why I do what I do and why I often stay behind the scenes.  I rarely see the true impact of the grants that I write or the donations that I receive for organizations.  This experience truly opened my eyes and re-energized me.  Seeing the faces of those people that were helped is something that I will never forget.     

PS- I only wish that I had tiny feet so that I could fit into those shoes!  Man, were they cute!

Thankful

We are so very thankful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for a generous grant for the Build a Brand...Build a Fund program.  This program will focus on building public awareness of Mothers Helping Mothers and in turn, increase financial support for the organization.  This funding is critical for the growth and sustainability of the organization.  Since its inception, Mothers Helping Mothers has been run by volunteers with no paid staff.  The volunteers have stayed busy with the day to day operations of the organization and helping those in need.  Little attention has been paid to growing the awareness and funding for the organization because there is simply not enough time or resources.  "We are so very excited to have received this grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation.  It is our sincere hope that this funding will help Mothers Helping Mothers grow in numerous ways and be able to help even more people," said Madeline Brogan.

All For the New Arrival

Shelby is expecting her second son and recently visited Mothers Helping Mothers for the first time. Having been in the area for only a year, she asked around about a resource for mothers and children.  When she told people what she was looking for, everyone said the same thing-"Go to Mothers Helping Mothers!"  "this is my first time here," added Shelby "and it is definitely a great place."



All About the Bunny

 There is nothing to say about the picture below.  It is so cute that there are no words....



Cute x 2

These cute little men were shopping with their mom and grandmother at Mothers Helping Mothers recently.  They were defintiely pre-occupied with the toys and books, but I did manage to get a few cute shots!

These are some of the precious little faces that we see every week!  Doesn't it just make you want to help?  All you have to do is make a monetary contribution!  That will ensure that Mothers Helping Mothers is able to continue helping precious faces like the ones above!  Go to http://www.mhmsarasota.com/ for more information.

Great Resource

I spoke with Nellie recently, who is mom to five children under six years of age.  She told me that she comes to Mothers Helping Mothers quite often to stock up on clothing and other needs that pop up for her children.  "When I am done with the items I like to bring them back to Mothers Helping Mothers to help out others," said Nellie.  She also told me that she does not know what she would do without Mothers Helping Mothers.  "There are other resources in the communiity, but nothing like Mothers Helping Mothers."





A Place to Turn

Can you imagine having 6 brothers and sisters?  That means that you are one of seven kids!  For many local families that I meet, this is a reality.  I am the mother of one and know what expenses are associated with children, but I find it hard to imagine the expenses that come with seven children!  I talked with mom Laurie and she confirmed that it is the sure expense of seven childreen that first brought her to Mothers helping Mothers.  "My kids range from two years old to fourteen years and they are always in need of something.  It is very expensive to put food on the table much less clothing for all seven," she said.  "In addition to getting things from MHM, I alos enjoy bringing things back and donating them to the organization.  I used to donate to other organizations, but now it all comes here."

In fact, while she was shopping Laurie heard that another mother was in need of a toddler bed and offered her toddler bed that was not being used.  "I want to help other people as much as I have been helped," said Laurie.  "The people here are so very nice and truly want to help you.  It really makes me realize that there are still good people in this world.  It makes you want to pay it forward to others."\


Sebastian- one of the seven




This is Courtney, another one of the seven children, who told me that it makes her feel great to come to MHM and know that it is helping her entire family.





Getting the Loot

This little cutie was just too much!  She was SO excited about all of the things that she had found at Mothers Helping Mothers. 


Proud to show me her findings!



I thought that she had so much stuff that it wouldn't all fit,
but she quickly corrected me and said that her animals
wanted to see what was happening and were scared
in the dark.  Priceless!



5 Kids

Upon entering Mothers Helping Mothers recently, I was greeted by five smiling faces!

These little angels were sitting quietly as mom shopped.  They all had goodies in their hands that they had found at MHM.  The oldest, Blanca, told me that her favorite thing that she found was good books.  Her brother Christopher and sister Paola chimed in that they liked the books as well.  Jose, on the other hand, was attached to his new teddy bear and youngest brother Helder was clutching tight to his chipmunk and Winnie the Pooh. 

When I talked to the mother of the children, she mentioned that this was her first visit to Mothers Helping Mothers.  "I am finding everything that I am looking for," she said.  "This place is amazing!"

A BIG Thank You

As an organization that depends on the generosity of others to exist, we are contstantly humbled when people want to help our clients.  We are even more impressed when a person or organization goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of the families that we serve.  After Hours by Cutting Loose, an amazing local salon, partnered with Mothers Helping Mothers to produce some amazing results!  Not only did they makeover seven of our mothers with haircuts, color treatments, facial waxings and makeup applications, but they also gave us a TON of donations. 

Let's talk about the women first.  They certainly got the royal treatment!  Yvette, one of the MHM clients, summed up the impact of the day by saying," This experience has made me feel so good.  It has been a very relaxing day that is much needed.  I spend so much time taking care of others that I rarely do anything for myself," she said.  “The staff has been so kind to us.  You can tell that they are all really nice and caring people that are taking the time to listen to our desires and trying to please us.  It has been a great day!  I can’t remember the last time that I have been to a salon.”

Taelor was the mastermind behind this great event.  When asked why she came in on her day off to oversee this event she said,” I really love doing work that will benefit our community.  I was born and raised here and my heart is here.  It is such an honor to be able to give back to others in this community and make a difference.”

Not only did Taelor and her staff make a difference to the women that day, but also to the families that will benefit from the donations of her clients.  Taelor sent out emails to her clients letting them know that they could help Mothers Helping Mothers by bringing in their donations.  Clients definitely came through and helped to fill 2 SUV’s with clothes, shoes, bedding and toys.  In addition, clients also brought in hair care products that were donated to MHM. 

When Jennifer Meadows heard what the salon was doing, she donated her services and products as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and offered to do all of the makeup for the seven lucky ladies.  “So many women don’t take the time for themselves,” said Jennifer.  “Making women feel special really goes a long way.”

A special thanks to Bellacino’s for providing free pizza for all of the women for lunch.

Look at all of the donated items!