I am starting to plan for C's first birthday (!!) and have decided that in lieu of gifts we're going to collect (from anyone who wants to participate, no obligation of course) donations of appropriate items for a children and/or women's and children's organization/shelter. Think baby/toddler clothes, formula and bottles, breastfeeding gear, toys, diapers, etc. Does anyone have a favorite place in the North End they can suggest that would be a good beneficiary of these types of items so we can drop them off after the party? Thanks!
Re: Can you recommend a great local children/women's charitable organization?
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The Children's Hospital Thrift Shop doesn't accept much in the way of children's items. The last time I tried to donate there they said due to child safety concerns they try not to accept toys and other baby stuff.
There is a recovery center that two of my coworkers work at over the weekends that is literally backed up to the fence of where the BBF was. They accept donations at any time but I am drawing a blank at the moment of what it is called. It isn't advertised at all because most of the women there are trying to get back on their feet, have been in pretty desolate situations (drugs and abuse, etc.) They allow the women there to have children up to Kindergarten live with them in recovery. If you are interested, I can get more info for you.
Another idea is Seattle Children's accepts toys for pt. as well as blankets. Each child gets a blanket if admitted to the hospital.
Here is a link for toy dontations:
https://www.seattlechildrens.org/ways-to-help/donate/toys/
Another ideas is a baby formula/food/diaper collections collection for Volunteers of America. We've done Christmases for families in need through them as well as food drives and they have been nothing but awesome:
https://www.voaww.org
With the economy the way that it is right now lots of people are seeking out assistance and local food banks are coming up short on donations.
Another cool thing is Project Linus but it only accepts handmade blankets. I did a Project Linus day with coworkers and we all made those super easy fleece tie blankets (Joanne's has kits for making them, precut, all you do it tie)
https://www.projectlinus.org/index.html
HTH!
There's also Pregnancy Resource Center of Snohomish County just off 41st in Everett. I've dropped off many itmes there before.
https://www.realchoices.com/
Sorry one more...
Here is the hopelink link:
https://www.hope-link.org/take_action/food_and_fund_drives/in_kind_donations/
Looks like they do food, diapers, and clothes. :-)
Thanks everyone! Sounds like lots of options to look into.
After we hired Kate as our doula we did do some classes there (which are unaffiliated with the center.) But I know the center is run by a religious group and from what I've heard they're a place that doesn't really give women the straight dope on all their choices, if you know what I mean. I just can't get behind that...personal opinion is all.
No offense taken, my dear! I wasn't aware of the religious affiliation.
I second this one. Also, the YWCA or your local head start program. We do them a lot
Steal my kids picture or pretend they are yours, I will find where you live and ship all of their dirty diapers to your doorstep. Promise.