Swaddlers

A Ministry for Infants thru Preschool

Our Mission: “To reach out with God’s love by providing caregivers and young children with basic essentials in a caring and comfortable setting.”  Scriptural Basis: Mark 9:36,37A

 

            Swaddlers Ministry of Hampton Park Christian Church completed our 19th year for helping children in our area. We are an all-volunteer ministry supported by donations from the church and members in the community. We provide gently used clothing to families in need for preschool aged children size Newborn to 6T, 

           

            Community Health Professional refer families that need assistance to Swaddlers. A volunteer interviews the parent/caregiver to assess the family’s needs. After the interview, a team of volunteers will assemble a clothing package specific to the needs of the child which is then delivered to the family by the Community Health Professional.

 

            We try to provide each child with 4 of the following items: shirt, pants/shorts, socks, and underwear. They also receive a pair of shoes, 2 pairs of pajamas, lightweight jackets, and a blanket. Seasonally winter jackets, hats, mittens and boots and swimsuits are added to the clothing package. If available, dresses, skirts, slacks, and sweaters are included. If we are able, additional quantities of basic items are provided. For enrichment and education, we give books to read and color books and crayons. Infants will receive similar clothing items including additional sleepers, as well as layette items such as receiving blankets, burp cloths, towels and wash cloths and crib/bassinet sheets.

 

            From January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, we helped 324 families and provided 497 clothing packages for their children (including 84 newborn babies). That was 56 more children than we served in 2022 and 104 more than in 2021. More than 1,400 hours between 11 regular volunteers were devoted to Swaddlers in 2023. As of Mid September, 2024, we have helped 374 children (including 76 newborn babies).

 

            Historically we have been dependent on donations of clothing items to help meet the needs of our clients. However, the increase in the number of children we are helping has put us in the position of having to purchase children’s clothing, underwear, socks, and blankets. The inventory of clothing is closely monitored so size-specific purchasing can be done. Clothing is purchased at thrift/secondhand stores, garage sales and rummage sales (new clothing is rarely purchased). Careful sourcing for new items such as socks, underwear and blankets is done to assure the best price is attained. We are fortunate that organizations such as Heartbeat of Toledo and Over the Rainbow Consignment Sale have generously donated clothing items to our program. We estimate that each clothing package provided in 2023 cost approximately $15.00.