Donations of diapers, baby clothing and other practical supplies are a crucial part of the work of Life’s Choices. The pregnancy and community resource center has offices in Kutztown and Hamburg and provides support for men, women and families.
By providing clients with a way to earn needed items for their families at no financial cost, the staff strives to offer help and hope to individuals struggling with life’s circumstances.
“Our ‘earn while you learn’ program benefits our clients in multiple ways,” Joy Stutzman, executive director, said. “Not only do they learn parenting tips and skills through attending class but, each time they come, they earn free diapers or other needed baby items.”
Some clients, many who are visiting the office for the first time, apply for emergency material assistance which is available to them on a quarterly basis. Many return for parenting classes (including a childbirth option with a nurse) and earn points which they can spent in the client boutique.
Life’s Choices has several gaps in their inventory at present, and the staff is looking for donations of diapers in sizes 5 and 6 as well as summer clothing for girls in 3-6 month and 6-9 month sizes and summer clothes for boys in 18-24 months. Other pressing needs are packs of diaper wipes and gift cards to local stores for $10-20 to purchase items such as formula.
Volunteer Katie Bailey helps to organize the boutique in Hamburg.
“I’m always amazed of the generosity of the people who donate,” she said as she sorted through new packages of diapers and a bag of boys clothing on Friday. “They often buy really nice things, high quality stuff, to put in our boutique. It’s not just somebody’s leftovers.”
All donated items should be in new or like-new condition. Diapers and wipes should be in original, unopened packaging. If an excess of a certain size of clothing is received, the surplus is donated to like-minded organizations including the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Hamburg.
Life’s Choices, which has been in operation for three decades, is a non-profit group and provides all services to clients at no charge. That means that donations of items for clients is a crucial part of the budgeting process.
“We’re so grateful to those who are willing to donate diapers or baby items for our clients,” Stutzman said. “This simple act of kindness is a huge blessing to someone who is in need of a helping hand and a ray of hope.”
In addition to prenatal and parenting classes, the organization offers classes for healthy relationships and practical budgeting. Clients can also receive free pregnancy tests as well as information, testing and treatment for sexually-transmitted diseases. Trained staff also visit local schools to provide sexual-risk education to teen students.
The Kutztown center is currently in the process of adding ultrasound services for clients, with an anticipated availability date in the fall of 2017. A painting party fundraiser, planned for the evening of Thursday, Sept. 14, will feature local artist Nettie Price. For information or to register, readers may email laurie.lifeschoices@gmail.com or call the Kutztown office.
All services at Life’s Choices are provided at no cost and are confidential. For more information about Life’s Choices of Kutztown and Hamburg, readers may call either the Kutztown at 610-683-8000 or Hamburg at 484-660-3526 office or visit the organization’s website at www.LifesChoicesSupport.com. Appointments may also be scheduled via email to LifesChoices@hometownu.com.