Formula Drive

Last year, we hosted a formula drive which we took to Haiti. The malnutrition problem is huge there, and we thought this was a way we could help meet the needs to some of the children around the Carrefour area. So we decided to do this again this year. We posted to our Facebook page, we posted on swap shops, and we talked to the people around us. And they delivered! We received many, many cans of formula, baby cereal, toddler snacks, and toddler food. We found some baby food on sale at a store, so we bought some. And we were ready to pack this all away and head south, to the place that has captured our hearts!

Unfortunately, because of matters which were out of our hands, our trip for this year was pushed back until after the beginning of the new year. We all were heart-broken, but understand that sometimes things happen for a reason. And we will just continue to follow where God leads us, and put our faith in His hands, exactly where it should always be.

But that left us with the decision of what to do about all this donated formula and cereal. We knew that some it would be expired waiting another 6 months. And we never want to waste nutritious food. So we thought and prayed about it, and we choose to donate it to a local agency, who helps feed hungry babies, Ray Of Hope Pregnancy Care Ministries. Ray Of Hope provides education to young mothers. They provide a resource for many of these young mothers, as well as helping them meet the nutritional needs of their babies. We know that they will put this donation to great work here in our Macon area. And that makes us very happy. And when the next date is set, we will do another formula drive and hopefully collect formula that we can take, and help many more babies. And to all who donated, we wish to say a great big thank you! You have helped to make the lives of others better, and we are so proud of each and every one of you.

So please take a look around our page. We have photos of our donation, as well as photos of several areas inside this organization.

If you would like more information about Ray Of Hope, please visit their Facebook page and send them a message. Deb will get back to you just as soon as possible. If you would like to make a donation of formula, clothing, diapers, or money, they would be very happy to speak with you as well. They survive on donations, so lets all make sure that they stay an available resource for mothers in the Macon and Shelby County area. Ray Of Hope Pregnancy Care Ministries

One of the first foods that a baby is introduced to is cereal. We were blessed to have received many, many containers of cereal. A lot of happy babies will enjoy these donations.	Anyone who has purchased formula knows how expensive. Especially if it is a "special" type. We were so happy to receive many different types of formula, each which will help a baby to grow strong and healthy.
In addition to the formula and cereal, there were small tubs of baby food. Sweet potato and applesauce to name a few. And some drinks for the older toddler.	A few ready to feeds were there, as well as some Gerber graduate foods, again for the older toddlers. And some snack puffs, which are healthy and just plain fun to eat.
Many items were visible, ready to help new mothers prepare for their babies. There is a system where mothers can earn some of the bigger items that they would like. Contact them for more information.	Babies go through a lot of diapers. Lots of diapers. Here the baskets hold many different sizes of diapers. If you have some left over diapers, and you don't know what to do with them, how about donating?
More clothes, all sizes. Some fun items as well. If your child has outgrown their clothes, maybe you can help another mother somewhere down the road. Consider donating clothing that no longer fits.	Baby clothes, from newborn up. Kids go through a lot of clothing changes each day. Here, they try to make it easier for the mother to have what they need to care for their child.
Formula, baby food, bottles, spoons, food containers, bottle liners. Babies need a lot of things to grow up healthy and strong.	Baby bath, shampoo, lotions. All used to keep the babies clean. And who doesn't like the smell of a baby fresh from the bath!
Another view of the clothes that they have at the present time. They could always use more!	More diapers, different sizes.