Motherhood can be difficult for a young woman with little resources. And for a struggling mom, even essentials like shampoo, soap and toothpaste can be luxuries.
Mother's Day this year will be a little more special for some needy women in Essex County, thanks to the efforts of Community Giving Tree of Boxford.
Wrapped and tied with spring-colored ribbons, 300 Mother's Day baskets are ready for distribution through social workers to these needy mothers and their babies. And for most, it will be the only recognition of the day that these struggling women receive.
For one week, women from the Newcomer's Club of Topsfield/Boxford and volunteers from Community Giving Tree filled the festive baskets with powder and lotion; bibs and onesies; hair brushes and baby rattles.
Donations of baby clothes and personal care items for this Mother's Day Drive were received from designated collection sites at Curves of Topsfield and Middleton, First National Bank of Ipswich, ReMax Village Properties, Boxford Elementary Schools and West Village Provisions in West Boxford through March and April.
Social Workers from Head Start in Haverhill, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in Lawrence, the Department of Social Services (DSS), and Family Services Association are among the 30 agencies who will distribute the baskets—tailor-made for mothers with baby girls, baby boys and many others as general family baskets.
"Requests from social workers have been pouring in," said Community Giving Tree Co-Founder, Leslie Levenson. "We are working feverishly to keep up with the requests and have called in more volunteers to fill the demand. Food stamps and government nutrition programs do not cover the purchase of these everyday items and for the struggling family, food and heating bills take priority over toiletries and other everyday necessities."
Dedicated to serving those lacking the basics to care for their children, Community Giving Tree and its bevy of volunteers distribute not only these Mother's Day Baskets, but new and gently used items like cribs and car seats; baby and children's clothing; winter coats, hats and mittens; bed linens and comforters; backpacks and school supplies throughout the year.
"Baby cribs are in such great demand. No sooner is one donated to Giving Tree, than a social worker is there to deliver it to a waiting mother. In fact, we typically have a waiting list. We tell our donors that if they give us a crib, we will have a baby in that bed within the week — sometimes by that same night," said Betty Obernesser, cofounder of the Community Giving Tree.
"Most of my clients do not have a crib for their baby. The baby sleeps in bed with them or on the floor," said one DSS agency worker. Another explained, "Most of my clients are struggling and live below the poverty line. Anything they are provided with is a blessing. I have a mother who just delivered a baby girl and did not have any diapers for her newborn. She was thrilled when I was able to provide her with a bag of diapers and other items for her baby from Community Giving Tree!"
To focus more attention on the plight of struggling moms and families in Essex County, Community Giving Tree is hosting its first Women Helping Women fundraising luncheon on Friday, May 16 at the Willowdale Estate in Bradley Palmer State Park from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. While viewing the newly restored arts and crafts style, turn-of-the century mansion, guests will learn about the mission of Community Giving Tree and the needs of the underprivileged women we help. In addition, a special Mothers Day Appeal letter is being mailed to all households in the tri-town area seeking donations to help us serve even more women and children.
In its sixth year, Community Giving Tree collects high quality, gently used and new items and distributes them at no cost to needy families. Social workers, school teachers, ministers, and other professionals are able to "shop" free of charge for their clients. The organization has helped more than 1,400 families in the past year and hopes to reach even more.
"With every crib, stroller, bag of clothing and package of diapers we give, we see the difference our efforts are making in the fight against poverty," Obernesser said.
For more information about Community Giving Tree, visit www.communitygivingtree.org. If you would like to attend the May 16 luncheon please email communitygivingtree@gmail.com or call 978-500-3947.
— Submitted to Town Crossings by Leslie Levenson, Community Giving Tree cofounder
