Elizabeth and I are still humbled at the amazing people we continue to meet through this journey of helping moms who are stressed with moms who are blessed. Givers and Receivers alike are all willing to do what they can to give back. Many have been in tough situations before and feel the need to help others in a tough spot too. Many of those who have been in need have turned right around and also donated the clothes they have to simply pay it forward and "Pass It On".
One particular mom has touched me. Her name is Kym. I have known Kym as one of my class members at the gym who took spin regularly from me until she became pregnant with her son Cooper. We tend to miss each other these days at the gym but luckily we have found a new connection - Pass It On, Baby! Kym has been a devoted donator ever since the first need we listed for the family who had a fire in Ohio back in May. I mentioned a little about her in a previous blog. She gave brand new clothes that she had stocked away to this family and what wasn't used for them - was just sent to a family needing winter clothes. On top of that - she contacted us last week about a children's clothing store closing in a mall near us and asked what sizes she could purchase in order to help a couple of Pass It On, Baby families. Amazing! Why - you ask - would she consider spending her own money to help other families in need. Below she shares with us how giving to Pass It On, Baby also helps heal the little girl inside of her that has needed it.
Honestly, I give to PIOB because I've "been there". Not as a mother (praise God), but as a child. My father left the country to become a "missionary" when I was 6...to avoid paying child support. So, my single mother worked full time, then went to school part-time every evening...therefore, we didn't have "stuff" and we didn't even get time with the only parent still around. Luckily, she had learned how to sew and made clothes for my brother and I; but I remember her sewing patches on top of patches to keep our clothes together. I will never forget the feeling, when in Junior High, I went to the mall for the first time to get new "store bought" clothes. My mother never complained and always taught us "you make bad decisions, you deal with the consequences"...unfortunately, sometimes our children are the ones to "deal with the consequences" of our decisions. Granted, the world is not fair, but I vowed to be home with my children no matter the sacrifice. I worked for Ralph Lauren for 7 years, and bought clothes (girl and boy, just to be "fair") the entire time. My children will have clothes until High School, and as they outgrow those "name brand clothes" we will pass them on, baby!! I quit that job when my son was born in 2007, and we definitely struggle to make ends meet some months...but when there is some money left over we buy extra PIOB clothes. Somewhere, there is a child opening that box, feeling the thrill of cutting the tags from her/his "store bought clothes".
Wow! Amazing! We are truly blessed to have the wonderful people we have attracted into this community - the givers and receivers alike. All of you are beautiful and we thank you for helping us to build this group of like-minded individuals who all want to make a difference - whether it's now or later. Thank you Kym - Thank you all!
this story really struck a cord with me. the past several years have been really tough on my family. financially, we have been struggling so hard. lately i haven't even been able to buy staples like conditioner or body wash (i have sensitive skin, so i can't use soap). for the third year in a row i have had to tell my kids that we can't do any "formal" school shopping, meaning we can't go out and buy new clothes and backpacks and school supplies. because of pass it on baby, my 7 year old daughter has enough to start school with, although she is still in need of a good pair of shoes. my 10 year old son isn't too worried, he just wants a new backpack. but my 13 year old daughter is a different story. she will be a freshman this year, and she is really excited to be attending high school. her excitement was a little deflated when i told her i couldn't buy any new clothes. she was really bummed out when she received this news. it is a totally different school and she just wanted an updated, fresh wardrobe rather than yard sale and thrift store finds. although we both know that it could be worse, it just really breaks my heart on that first day of school when i see almost all the other kids with new clothes and backpacks, and mine are still wearing things from the previous year, if it still fits. for my 7 year old daughter, opening that box from PIOB was so exciting for her and she was so happy to have "new" clothes. but as they get older, they realize the difference between this and "store bought", and they just really thrive to have that experience of shopping. although this year that day most likely won't come for my daughter, i know someday it will. thanks to people like kym and other PIOB donators who bring that extra ray of hope and sunshine to these kids! sharlene
ReplyDeleteI have been meaning to post but with 4 kids we have been B.U.S.Y! I recieved 5 boxes of clothes for our 2 year old just a couple of weeks ago! Our little girl now has adorable clothes that fit her perfectly....they'll last us through the fall and she even has a heavy coat for winter now! It is hard when you are a parent and have to choose between taking your child to the doctor 45 miles away 5 times a week or buying clothes for him and the other 3 kids. It just doesnt happen....you take your child to the doctor, embarrassed of the kids used, faded, and plain worn out clothes and shoes. Our little girl's face lit up when she saw the packages and she kept asking "Is this for ME?!" Having your two year old be SO happy is both uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. She tried on every bit of clothes (even the winter stuff), carries her little dora bag everywhere, loves the bunny and bear, "reads" her books and sleeps with the blankie every night...The other 3 kids are excitedly and patiently waiting for their "turn" and we can't wait to help another family out when the time comes!
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