Mary's Helping Hands

Mission: We inspire hope, love and dignity for underprivileged women in crisis pregnancies.

Why we started this ministry:
So many families amongst our community are struggling to acquire the basic necessities of life. A new baby puts an added strain on already limited resources and many babies lack appropriate items of clothing and blankets to stay warm and thrive during their crucial first year of life.
On the other hand, so many of us have been blessed with excess clothing during the course of their first year and many items are only worn once or twice or never used before they are outgrown.
Our goal is to provide a way to get these surplus items into the arms of mothers/fathers with babies in need.
Donated gently used or new clothing in newborn to 5T sizes along with blankets and accessories (hats, socks, bibs) are collected on an ongoing basis. Clothes are sorted and items of each size sufficient for the first year will be placed in a bag and labeled for a baby "boy" or "girl". We also supply mothers with nursery items as needed (swings, bouncy seats, crib sheets, blankets, etc.).
The completed bags are then distributed to mothers and families in need. We also partner with several local organizations and distribute goods in bulk as needed. 
Are you in need? MHH is here for YOU. If you’re pregnant or if you have a young baby, we can provide you with gently used maternity clothing, baby clothing and nursery items. Our items have been generously donated and we ensure you everything we offer is clean and in good condition.

For additional information, please visit our website:
 http://www.maryshelpinghandsiowa.org/

Items we accept:  (donations must be gently used and in good shape)
 
  **please email maryshelpinghandsSH@gmail.com for information on where to drop donations
 
·         Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, lotion, baby shampoo
·         Receiving Blankets, Crib Sheets & other bedding (No Bumpers)
·         Children’s Clothing (Newborn -2T)
·         Maternity Clothes (all sizes)
·         Nursing supplies (bra’s, nursing tops, etc.)
·         Baby towels and wash cloths
·         Hats and socks
·         Bibs and burp cloths
·         Books (All Ages)
·         Baby Safety Items (Outlet Plugs, Cupboard Locks, Baby Gates Etc.)
·         Bathtubs
·         Reusable shopping bags
·         Pacifiers
·         Bottles and feeding supplies
·         Bed sheets (of any size) these will be turned into baby crib sheets and blankets by a parishioner
·         Toys for children under age 1
·         Diaper bags
·         Changing pads/mats

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: Cribs, baby furniture, car seats, swings/bouncy seats, strollers, pillows, and stuffed animals.

We have great news! Thanks to an anonymous donor, we are going to have our own storefront at 4150 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.  Beginning in November, we will be able to serve even more in the community! More details to follow. We are also looking for volunteers. Contact us through maryshelpinghandssh@gmail.com.
 
One such need is a receptionist/greeter for our new store.  This volunteer position would be to welcome and greet individuals coming to pick up their orders. Commitment is a weekly 2 hour shift. 
 
Thank you to Sacred Heart Parish for all the support. This organization allows us to live out our faith by supporting women who chose life for their babies. We are humbled and blessed to provide this support and assistance.