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!