THANK YOU. Oh my gosh, you guys, you are amazing. It looks like I’ll be able to cover all the families on my Christmas-basket list solely because of the generosity of my readers. I will be praying for all of you and I am just so amazed and grateful to see how much you care for these terrific moms and kids you haven’t even met!!! Thank you so much… and if you were thinking about emailing me about this, but haven’t yet, my families are taken care of now… but consider whether you can buy toys or clothes or diapers for your local pregnancy center or other charity!

What our center usually needs: WIPES. Diapers in sizes 4, 5, 6. We cannot receive stuffed animals or other toys for liability issues except in certain circumstances I don’t fully understand, so call first about these things (and work for repeal of CPSIA…). Car seats, strollers. Any clothes which are in good condition–if you wouldn’t give it to your sister, why are you giving it to us? The kids here need the respect of unstained, “nice” clothes as much as–honestly, probably more than–they need simple coverings. If you have money and feel awkward about calling and asking what your local center needs, I think wipes and larger diapers will never, ever be turned down. Also, we often offer hand-knit sweaters and blankets for newborns, and I can tell you that the moms reliably think this is the sweetest thing ever, so if you knit consider knitting for a pregnancy center!

We can also always use listings for services: Premarital counseling (esp the kind which is directed to couples considering marriage rather than definitely set on marriage), mental health care, legal services, employment services, rental/utilities assistance, and day care assistance are probably the most common needs my clients have expressed, not exactly in that order. Oh and HOUSING. So if you have recommendations in any of those areas, or even if you just want to make an updated list of resources you found via The Google, I’m betting your local pregnancy center would love you.

No matter what your talents or circumstances there is probably something you can do… and the need is really obviously greater than it was when I started counseling.

Anyway, I’m just so amazed by you guys. I know so many of you are doing other kinds of corporal works of mercy, so I wasn’t really expecting a big outpouring… and yet it looks like these families will be having a wonderful Christmas thanks to you. I wish all of you could see these beautiful children grinning and exclaiming when they see their presents.