Some moms have playdates, while others – just because – get together and collect spare diapers from their friends to give to families in need. If that’s not strong as a mother, then we don’t know what is. When we heard about Moms Helping Moms Foundation, a New Jersey baby supply and diaper bank serving low-income children since 2011, we knew we needed to spread the good word to all those aboard the mothership.
Ensuring all babies in NJ get a fair start in life
Moms Helping Moms was born when founder Bridget Cutler met moms in need in her community. It can cost nearly $235,000 to raise a child in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture – and that’s just for the basics. It’s especially tough for those in New Jersey, where 32% of children live in low-income families. Inspired to help provide the basics so that all babies can have a safe and healthy start, Bridget and a few friends, who were also new mothers, started collecting gently used baby items from other “mom friends” to pass on.
Soon after, Moms Helping Moms got its name and start when Bridget held a garage sale at her home in which all items were free to moms in need. What began as a simple idea has now expanded to include an extensive volunteer network of individuals and community organizations that help solicit and distribute donations of diapers, clothing, formula, and other baby essentials for hundreds of vulnerable infants and toddlers in New Jersey each year. Bridget finds recipients through social workers, homeless shelters, and other nonprofits.
Without diapers, babies cannot participate in daycare. Without childcare, parents cannot go to work. via
A major focus of Moms Helping Moms is fighting diaper need. About 1 in 3 families in the U.S. are unable to provide their babies with a healthy amount of fresh diapers, according to the National Diaper Bank Network. What’s extra awesome about Moms Helping Moms is that the nonprofit accepts open packages of unused diapers – so if your baby has outgrown a size, think about donating the leftovers to a family in need!
How can you support Moms Helping Moms?
- Volunteer. Opportunities range from weekly volunteer days in the foundation’s office to fundraising and diaper drive committees. Email volunteers@momshelpingmomsfoundation.org
- Host a diaper drive. Download a diaper drive kit here to get started!
- Help spread the word. Advocate to combat the diaper crisis on social media using #DiaperNeed – this is the official hashtag of Moms Helping Moms and their partner National Diaper Bank Network.
- Donate new and gently used baby items:
Moms Helping Moms (warehouse), Monday through Friday 10:00AM to 3:00PM
223 Stirling Road Ste E, Warren, NJ 07059
Moms Helping Moms warehouse. via
Other community collection sites in New Jersey:
Atlas Marble and Granite: 44 Fadem Rd., Springfield, NJ 07081
Berkley Heights YMCA: 550 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ, 07922
Coldwell Banker: 151 Maplewood Ave., Maplewood, NJ 07040
Dim Sum Villa: 1260 Springfield Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974
Kidville in Summit: 30 Maple Street, Summit, NJ 07901
South Mountain YMCA: 10 West Parker Ave., Maplewood, NJ 07040
Summit Jewish Community Center: 67 Kent Place Blvd., Summit, NJ 07901
Summit YMCA: 67 Maple St., Summit, NJ 07901
Work and Play: 19 Prospect St., South Orange, NJ 07079
Gather up your mom tribe and help pay it forward. We want to hear your stories of #DiaperNeed change in the comments!
