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You can help feed a hungry baby

Posted by hiccups
on May 4, 2009 at 12:10 pm
 
 
Imagine you have a newborn or toddler, but you can’t afford to feed and diaper him on your own.
 
Diapers are expensive even if you buy the more economical brands. And, while breastfeeding a baby – so your little one can receive needed immunities and nutrients – is preferred, it’s not always possible.
 
If you have children, you know these “little” expenses are reoccurring. When my children were born, we were buying diapers, formula, baby food and baby wipes every week. It was worth it, even though we would talk about the amount of money we were spending.
 
But to some families, even getting the barest of necessities for their children is difficult.
 
You can help make a difference in the littlest of lives at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, and beyond.
 
Infant Crisis Services is dedicating its new 17,000-square-foot building at NE 42 and Lincoln Boulevard. The new facility and its furnishings were made possible by a grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
 
But they still need the public’s help to continue assistance to more than 1,000 young children.
 
You can help stock its new shelves with diapers, formula, baby food and more. Your contributions will go to families who need assistance in caring for their babies and toddlers.
They also need pacifiers, baby baths, bath wash and lotion, shampoo, sippy cups, children’s books and toys.
 
The larger building is expected to allow Infant Crisis Services to serve double the amount of children they do now. The nonprofit organization also does not receive any state, federal or United Way funding.
Go to www.infantcrisis.org to learn more about Infant Crisis Services, donating or receiving help. Or call (405) 528-3663.
– Linda Lynn
llynn@opubco.com
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5 things to do with old toys

Posted by hiccups
on December 29, 2008 at 12:21 pm

pic_toys.jpg

So Christmas has come and gone.  Santa has probably brought your kids a toy (or ten) and now you wonder what you can do with all those toys your kids don’t play with anymore or have outgrown.  I look at all my son’s baby toys and wonder what I can possibly do with them, as I am quickly running out of room. 

I took some suggestions from friends and family and here are a few:

1. Keep them.  If you plan on having more kids, you’ll be one step ahead and not have to buy all those toys all over again. 

2. Give them to friends. Especially expecting or new parents.  It will help cut down the costs for them and you’ll surely win friend points.

3. Consign them. There is a big consignment sale twice a year in Oklahoma City and Norman.  It’s the Just Between Friends sale and they take tons of toys, clothing, strollers, you name it. They pay the consignor 65% of the sale.  Not bad if you have a ton of stuff and would like to make a little back to put toward future toy and clothing purchases.  Go to their Website to sign up or get more information.  In Oklahoma City, go to http://okc.jbfsale.com.  The sale will be at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. In Norman, go to http://norman.jbfsale.com. The sales will be at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds. Registration begins in January and the sales are set for March.

4. Goodwill. 84 percent of the revenue brought into the Goodwill stores goes to their employment and training opportunities, which helps people find good jobs.  Go to www.goodwill.org or your closest Goodwill store for more information on how to donate.

5. Infant Crisis Services. This local nonprofit helps the youngest of children.  If you have baby toys that are gently used, they will gladly take them to give to families in need.  You can donate new or good used clothing (preemie to size 6) and shoes, and new or good used toys, among many other items.  Call 528-3663 or go to www.infantcrisis.org for more information.

These are just a few suggestions. There are probably many more charities or organizations that can take your children’s used clothes or toys.  It’s one way you can keep giving, even after the holiday season is over. 

If you have any other suggestions you’d like readers to know about, leave your comments here or email esmith@opubco.com.  I’d love to share them.

~Erica Smith