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The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that in Greene Country, about two out of five families with children live in poverty. One organization provides free baby items to low-income families, and right now it's looking for volunteers. KSMU’s Julie Greene has more.
Newborns in Need gives pacifiers, blankets, sleepers, booties, bottles and diapers. About 75% of the baby items are handmade. Verna Needem, president of Springfield’s Newborns in Need chapter, says volunteers can help in a variety of ways.
“When people come in, we have them tackle ads or cut out items for us like bibs and burps. We actually have need for someone to help us write grants or help us with email lists. We can find something for any volunteer to do,” Needem said.
After items are packaged, they are sent off to hospitals, WIC clinics, county health departments, emergency rooms, and homeless shelters. Each package is personalized to fit the needs of the specific location. Right now, Newborns in Need reaches 1,000 infants in 17 local counties every month. Again, Verna Needem.
“We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers. When you volunteer, it makes you feel good, but you’re also helping someone else who needs whatever it is you’re doing. You’re helping people in return for making yourself busy and supporting your community,” Needem said.
To learn more about Newborns in Need, you can visit its website www.newbornsinneedspringfield.org. To volunteer, you can call 823-9508.
For KSMU News, I’m Julie Greene.