Karen

Recently, we received a note from Karenjust one of the moms who have been helped by you:

“My daughter and I have received diapers from Help a Mother Out and I am very thankful. A lot of people don’t understand how bad I feel when I don’t have enough money to buy a bag of diapers. There is a lot of shame that comes with the guilty feeling of not having $10 to buy the cheapest diapers. My family and I have been going through some really bad times. Even when I do buy diapers they are not for sensitive skin and I deal with my daughter’s rashes and end up having to take her to the doctor. Her rashes are so intense that she does not let me wipe her. I want to be able to provide for my daughter. I am grateful that you provide diapers for babies with sensitive skin.” ~ Karen, mom to 8 month old baby girl

It’s important you know just how much your impact has been for moms like Karen this past year. Thank you for your investment in our families.

Earth Baby Customers: You Can Help Mothers this Holiday Season

This is a guest post from Cortney at EarthBaby. We are incredibly grateful to EarthBaby for sponsoring our donation pick ups and warehouse storage in the Bay Area. This partnership is invaluable as it saves us time, money, and resources – ultimately getting MORE diapers into the hands of moms who really need them. If you are a current, former, or future Earth Baby customer, please help a mother out! And don’t forget to share the message with all your Earth Baby friends!

To kick off the season of giving, EarthBaby is excited to announce our Help a Mother Out campaign.

EarthBaby is a proud supporter of Help a Mother Out by collecting diapers from donation binslocated throughout the Bay Area. These diapers are then transported to EarthBaby’s Santa Clara warehouse, sorted by a team of amazing Help A Mother Out volunteers and stored until they’re ready for distribution to families in need.

As a way to show our support for such an awesome organization and make a meaningful difference for local families in need this season, EarthBaby will donate one pack of new Nature Babycare diapers to Help a Mother Out every time an EarthBaby customer posts a picture of their own EarthBaby in Nature Babycare diapers! So please, show off your little munchkin in their kick-butt compostable diapers by posting it to our Facebook wall. With just a minute of your time, you will be giving parents in need a chance to put a clean diaper on their own child!

So let’s recap – with some pictures, for all those visual learners out there 

1. Post a picture of your EarthBaby on EarthBaby’s Facebook Wall any time between November 22nd and December 31st.

 

2. EarthBaby will donate 1 pack of diapers per photo to Help A Mother Out

 

3. Help A Mother Out will get clean diapers into the hands of families in need “because every baby deserves a clean diaper.”

The fine print: This campaign will run from November 22, 2012 – December 31, 2012 inclusive. Participants’ names must be registered in EarthBaby’s customer database (ie. past, present or future EarthBaby customers) in order to qualify.  Offer limited to two packs of donated diapers per participant. No cash value. No warranties of any kind, expressed or implied. EarthBaby reserves the right to curate the content of its Facebook Wall, this includes the right to remove any and all content that is deemed by to be inappropriate by the account administrator.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! You can email me at cortney@earth-baby.com

Can’t wait to see all the EarthBaby cuties in their diapers!

Photos from Earth Baby.

Help Send Diapers To Hurricane Sandy Victims

Lots of people have been asking us how they can help families with babies and toddlers in the North East who may be running out of clean diapers after Hurricane Sandy.  Now we have something we can recommend.

Diapers.com has partnered with nonprofits on the ground in the area like The American Red Cross and the Jersey Humane Society to send supplies to the hardest hit families.  You can help by sending financial donations through a specific section of their site, diapers.com/sandy.  Select a dollar amount, and that money will be used to buy essentials like diapers, baby food, formula, and clothing for families in storm-ravaged areas.  There is no shipping fee.

Remember, you might not be able to do everything.  But you can do something.  And every little bit helps.

San Diego: Bayside Community Center

The other day our friends Alicia and Xavier volunteered and dropped off a truckload of diapers (3276 diapers, 15 cases) at Bayside Community Center. We were able to get these to Bayside’s families because ACOG hosted a their virtual diaper drive at their conference in San Diego, in addition to Alicia and Xavier’s local efforts.

We will be sending another special delivery to Bayside in the near future. Thanks San Diego andACOG! 

We are always in need of groups to partner with in order to further our mission. Please contact us info (at) helpamotherout (dotorg) if you are interested to helping.

Do Good During the Holidays: Host a Drive

Hey folks, so the holidays are just around the corner and like every other non profit enterprise, it’s a crucial season for us. If you have been thinking about doing some good this year, now is the time for you to take action and help a mother out!

Why do we need help?

We are a small, bootstrapping grassroots organization that makes the use of every resource we are given. Since starting the organization we have always said that our success depends on the strength of caring people and their desire to build a healthy community. We choose to partner with the best organizations to get our diapers to families in need. Because of our close working relationships with our partners we know that our diapers serve the community as a hand up. Whether it is a newly homeless mom, a child in the foster care system, or parents in between paychecks, we want to be there for them and we know many in the community want to be as well.

This year has been our most demanding year.  Here are just two notes we have received from moms who have been helped by caring people like you:

“Your diapers help a lot. Because if I get the extra diapers I’ll be able to get milk and other things my baby needs. I don’t know what I’d do without this extra help.” ~ Tyronay, mom of 3 week old baby boy

“Yes, right now I’m trying to figure out how I’m gonna pay for fingerprints for a job, and my diapers. If I pay for fingerprints I might not be able to buy diapers when needed. And if I don’t I won’t get the job.” ~ Dorian, homeless mom of 1

If you are interested in hosting a drive please drop us a line and we can give you more ideas on making your drive a success. info (at) helpamotherout (dotorg).

Hosting a diaper drive is super easy.

Below are some tips to help you get started. In addition to the following ideas, check out our diaper drive toolkit that is full of inspiration.

1) Set a date for your drive. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, you already have your date. If you are hosting a drive at your workplace, school, or place of worship, we recommend holding your drive for at least 2 weeks to one month.

2) Promote your drive. If your drive is for a holiday party, include the drive information in your invitation. As well, send a reminder a day or two before your event. If you are hosting a drive at your workplace, school, or place of worship get the word out in any way possible: create a flier (we have one you can use), posters, cold calling, email blasts, social networks. Be sure to include the details like: dates, locations, and purpose of the drive.

3) Organize your diapers. If you’d like to report back a diaper count tally, count the diapers by the quantity in each pack/case.

4) Remember to take a photo of your efforts to share with everyone who contributes to your efforts! We also LOVE sharing photos with our community and in our newsletter – PLEASE send a photo to us: info (at) helpamotherout (dotorg)

5) Send them away! Bay Area and Los Angeles folks, we have a number of drop bin locations where you can drop off the diapers. If you think your diaper haul needs more coordination (e.g., you collect over 3K diapers. BAM!) then please contact us for help coordinating a drop off.

6)  Say thank you! Use the photo that you took and report back to everyone who contributed to your drive. If you held a holiday gathering, simply email your guests and thank them for coming and be sure include your photo and drive results. If your drive was with a community group, share it in your next newsletter or post it on the Facebook page.

Have you ever hosted a donation drive? What made it successful?

KinderCycle in the 510

 

About a year and a half ago we were contacted by a new mom, Jennifer, who recently started up a parent-driven venture called KinderCycle. What is Kindercycle? Jennifer and her crew host children’s clothing swaps, mostly in the East Bay. During their swaps, they collect diapers on behalf of our families.

We’re so grateful for this partnership and simply LOVE what KinderCycle is all about: a resource for moms sharing the abundance, building community, and helping others in a fun way. If you are local, please check them out and send your new(ish) moms to one of their swaps. And remember to donate diapers!

It takes a village, ya’ll! We’re always looking for community groups like KinderCycle to partner with. If your group is interested in learning more about diaper need, hosting a diaper drive or giving back to the community in other ways, please connect with us. 

Next Warehouse Day: October 26th

We’ve been quiet here on the old blog, chiefly because we’ve been busy with behind the scenes stuff and have gotten a bit lazy just posting community updates to Facebook.

Anyways, going forward keep a look out for more stuff here.

This is a photo taken by Cortney at Earth Baby at our last warehouse distribution day. We are always looking for volunteers (the EB warehouse is in Santa Clara) to help us in the warehouse, as well as groups who want to help with diaper drives.  If you are interested, let us know!

Thank you for helping us reach ONE MILLION!

This week we reached our 1 million diapers milestone! Whether you have given much needed funds or diapers, hosted a fundraiser or drive, or advocated on our behalf, we sincerely appreciate your help in strengthening the families we serve. Communities are only as strong as the caring people who are in it and we’re glad you have been there for our families at a crucial time in their child’s life.

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Please accept these virtual cupcakes as a small token of our gratitude to you. Thank you for being part of our community!!

KarmaWell: Help Us Generate Micro-Donations

 

You can now help us help more families when you shop online throughout the year. On the recommendation of Chesna (friend to board member Catherine) we have chosen to partner with KarmaWell.

Say what?

Supporters can designate micro-donations to our organization while shopping at online retailers. Check it out and download the browser app to have your online purchases make a difference (and at no cost to you).

Learn more by visiting our KarmaWell page. Every bit counts!

Will you download the app? Please be sure to let us know so we can thank you!

National Diaper Need Awareness Week

 

This month we are partnering with the National Diaper Bank Network to spread the word about diaper need in America. One in three American families struggle to provide diapers for their children.

There is an estimated need for over 15 billion diapers annually in the United States. Help the cause by participating in the first-ever Diaper Need Awareness Week, which runs September 10 – 17th.

Help a Mother Out fills a crucial void in the safety net. Please help us by donating diapers before September 30th.

Give Cheeks a Chance Diaper Drive

We are just 15K diapers away from reaching the ONE MILLION diapers milestone. We would love your help to reach this goal by the end of September.

Here is how you can help:

1) Donate at our drop bins in the Bay Area or Los Angeles Metro Area

2) Send us diapers in the mail through our Amazon wishlist

3) Take the pledge and spread the word by sharing this post

Sandy

If it wasn’t for diaper assistance, I would not be able to save money for my first month’s rent. I have a little girl, two months old. I don’t get as stressed out as much anymore. God bless you for thinking of us.
— Sandy, homeless mom

Bay Area: New Partnership with Earth Baby

Bay Area friends: We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Earth Baby, the compostable diaper service. A few weeks ago I met with Earth Baby owners Stephen and Mark to talk about helping us effectively get diapers to Bay Area families in need. Starting last week, Earth Baby has begun sponsoring diaper pick ups at all of our Bay Area donation locations, as well as donating warehouse space at their offices in Santa Clara. I could not be more excited about this new partnership, as it will help us streamline our diaper donation and distribution logistics, ultimately saving HAMO time and money.

And if you are a current Earth Baby customer, donations of diapers (any brand and size) may be made directly through EarthBaby, simply leave them out in a clearly labeled paper bag for your Earth Baby driver on your delivery day.

Here are a few words of support from Stephen Wahl, co-founder and COO at Earth Baby:

“EarthBaby is thrilled to provide warehouse space and logistics for HAMO and support their mission to help families in need. By leveraging EarthBaby’s operations to collect donated diapers for HAMO throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, we can help get donated diapers to the families who need them the most as fast as possible.”

We already have a pallet of donations that were picked up by Earth Baby’s awesome drivers just last week! Can’t wait to count these babies!

Call for Silicon Valley volunteers: We need help sorting and prepping diapers for distribution. If you are local and your Friday morning schedule (generally from 10:30-Noon)  is flexible, please sign up via our volunteer form to help us at a future distribution.

I’ve been a big fan of Earth Baby’s business ever since they first started and really believe in their innovative business model. Check them out and remember to tell your expectant mama friends about Earth Baby’s diaper service.

Are you a current or former Earth Baby customer? Please post a comment to let them know what you think about our new partnership. And if you see an Earth Baby van out and about, please take a moment to thank the driver for helping to support our families with their diaper pick ups!

SF Bay Area: Join Us at KidsBash, June 30th

We’re proud to be the official charity partner at the 3rd Annual Ghirardelli Square KidsBash. The event is a great opportunity to bring the kids, and extend an invite to your play group to join you for train rides, bounce house, face painting, and event special appearance by Hello Kitty.

Ghirardelli Square invites you and your family to join us for a Street Festival that is just for the kids! The 3rd Annual KidsBash, presented by Plum Organics has all of the perfect activities for every family’s youngest members. Tickets include access to all rides, games, and entertainment during the event and only need to be purchased for the children in your family, adults are free! The event is geared for children 10 years old and younger. Come for train rides, a rock wall, jump in the bounce house, play games with prizes, Zumbatomic demos, a special visit from the SFFD and much, much more.

This year, Ghirardelli Square KidsBash has partnered with Help A Mother Out, a Bay Area-based, nationally-recognized grassroots organization that raises and distributes diapers to homeless and low income families.

DISCOUNT: 25% discount for HAMO friends (tickets online are normally $20 per child, $15 with the HAMO discount (adults are free). Use CODE HAMO15 when registering through EventBrite.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: We need 20 volunteers to help us with will call, ticket sales, children’s activities, and at the HAMO booth (two shifts available 10:30am – 1:30pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm).

Volunteer perks include: discounted special event parking, plus two (2) free event tickets for your kids, and you get to be part of the HAMO crew! Interested? Please fill out our volunteer form. We also love groups and volunteer buddies, so please help us spread the word.

@Momversation Contest & Diaper Drive

We were honored to have our friends and High Tea Presenting Sponsor Momversation attend our 2nd Annual Benefit Tea on May 6th. The Momversation crew came up from Santa Monica to enjoy the day with us and raise much needed funds to help us continue the work bring diapers to moms in need. We are so incredibly grateful to Momversation for helping us continue our work!

To celebrate their website re-launch they are hosting a sweepstakes for the Ultimate Time Out (Big prize is a spa getaway in San Francisco!) as well as a virtual diaper drive (Goal of 10K DIAPERS!) for Help a Mother Out.

Please watch this short video about the contest, enter to win, and spread the word.

One Less Worry

Many times I had to choose between diapers and food. It’s very frustrating. Thanks to [having donated diapers], I have one less worry and I can help my daughter grow in a healthier way.
— Lena, mother of a 10-month-old

With your help, moms like Lena can focus on being more self-sufficient. Please consider sending a message of hope to our families with your gift today. In doing so you’re joining the HAMO family, working to sustain a much needed safety net in the year to come. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our families.

Stress Reliever

My client was going through a rough patch where her income was suddenly not available. She was stressed out, and the one thing she mentioned would take some pressure off was getting diapers for her daughter. When I was able to provide her with them, she was greatly appreciative.
Most of our clients struggle financially, and unfortunately diapers are quite expensive—but also a daily need for their children. Being able to provide diapers to our clients helps them get through the financial burdens or crises they are experiencing.
— Nancy, Case Manager

Your support lets us keep supplying diapers to case managers like Nancy. Please consider sending a message of hope to our families with your gift today. In doing so you’re joining the HAMO family, working to sustain a much needed safety net in the year to come. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our families.