Helping Families Thrive with WestSide Baby

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This past weekend I volunteered to support children and families at WestSide Baby. WestSide Baby is a non-profit organization that helps families and children in need. They provide basic needs such a formula, diapers, clothing and toys to children who would otherwise lack the proper equipment and supplies needed to thrive. Donna Pierce founded WestSide Baby in 1991 as a response to assist families living in Seattle. WestSide Baby’s was founded on the basic tenants to keep children safe, warm and dry. They serve children from ages newborn up to 12 years old and never deny a family if they show up to their doorsteps.

When I arrived, we took a tour of the facilities and I learned a lot about why it’s so important for children to have their basic needs met. An average baby will go through 14 diapers a day. WestSide Baby allots 45 diapers to a child each month, and if you do the math, that is still not enough. Diapers are also seen as a luxury item and are therefore taxed, just like female period products.

I brought two boxes of pads to donate to the facility as part of U by Kotex® & Walmart Alliance for Period Supplies campaign to end period poverty. For every one U by Kotex® product purchased in-store or online at Walmart, U by Kotex is donating 2 products to someone in need. WestSide Baby is an Alliance for Period Supplies partner and their goal is to eliminate the need for basic needs so that women and children can thrive.

 

My tasks for the session were to sort through donated clothing by size and style, and then place them in the appropriate bins. WestSide Baby believes that quality equals dignity and only provides families with the best used and new products. Items that do not meet quality control are passed to Goodwill where the merchandise is offered to a pounds for pennies and textile recycling program. Some volunteers also had an opportunity to fulfill orders for families. The experience was similar to being a personal shopper.

I had a great time giving back and was inspired when I met people who had been volunteering with WestSide Baby for over a decade. I plan on coming back once a month to volunteer and I would love for you to join me! Below are ways you can help children in need through WestSide Baby.

How you can help WestSide Baby

• Donate children’s products (newborn to size 16) such as diapers, formula, clothing, toys, strollers, car seats, etc. They always have a high demand for diapers.
• Volunteer to sort and fulfill orders.
• Run a donation drive at your organization.
• Participate in the Stuff the Bus campaign that happens annually.

I plan on finding other causes that are near and dear to my heart and volunteer some time each week to help the less fortunate. What are some ways you give back to people in need? Tell me in the comments section! I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Thanks for visiting my little corner of the world!

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This post is sponsored by U by Kotex but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.