Reflections on "Opening Night"

If ever the uneasiness of an "Opening Night" was felt - we felt it.  Would anyone come to our Pantry?  Had we succeeded in getting the word out?  Would we have what they needed?

The evening of the 17th was a whirlwind.  Clearly a quick two hours.  We served 15 babies and their families that night.  We are thankful that we were able to help these folks out and look forward to doing so again on the 15th of December.   Many of them shared with us how they found themselves in need of our help.  A baby that came a little too early - Mom couldn't go back to work as quickly as the family had anticipated; Dad recently lost his job, Mom's hours at her job were cut; Grandma trying to juggle a few extra mouths to feed. . .clearly circumstances beyond their control.

Regardless of how they found their way to us, we are glad that they did.  We hope that they left us feeling a little less alone and a little more certain they would be able to take care of their little one with a little less stress on their limited family resources.

Several of our babies are on more costly formulas, designed especially to help smaller, pre-mature babies "catch up" to their full-term counterparts.  We are working to find an economical source for these formulas.  Please contact us if you aware of such a source.

We left the church Thursday evening a bit more humbled than when we arrived.  We are so blessed.  We appreciate everything you have done to help us get up and running.  We will appreciate any help you can offer us that will help us maintain this much-needed program for the infants in need in the Plains District of Rockingham County.

At the close of the evening we decided we would do our best to offer these families gently used clothing for their infants.  Several of the Moms had asked if we could use the clothes their little one had already out grown.  It only took a little reflection and one volunteer to head up the clothing exchange to make it a "go".  .  .we really are blessed with some great volunteers!

If you know of a family in need residing in the Plains District of Rockingham County (Broadway Area School District) please ask them to contact us prior to the 15th of December to ensure that we have the correct formula in stock for their baby.  This is not a requirement to receive our services, it just makes it a little easier for us to be prepared.   Bev London can be reached at 578-3658 or via email: ashpd.bev@gmail.com.