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."