Friday 22 July 2011

Newborn kits in the news

Dear friends,
I thought you might be interested in reading about some of the families who have previously received newborn kits through MCC. 

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/MOM-to-Moms/372949578250
http://reliefweb.int/node/118080
http://forrysnic.blogspot.com/2010/03/mcc-kits-brighten-some-faces.html

The M.O.M to Moms group on facebook is really worth checking out. It was set up as a memorial to Michelle Omic who passed away suddenly while five months pregnant with her third child. Established by Michelle's grieving family, this organization has built and distributed an incredible number of kits and has posted several photos and videos of kits being distributed around the world.

Friday 8 July 2011

First Kits!

I was thrilled to receive the first two completed newborn kits in the mail today from my beloved aunt Lorraine!  I'm having some camera difficulties, but I'll post a picture of these beautiful parcels as soon as I can.  Maybe it's the sweet smell of the baby soap, or the soft texture of the fabrics, or the gentle colours, but my heart feels all a-flutter when I hold these kits in my hands.

I have been posting some updates in the facebook group, but not as frequently on the blog. So, here in a nutshell are some of the things I wanted to let you all know:
1) We can use safety pins instead of diaper pins - they should be 2 inches / 5 cm long, but diaper pins are okay too.  (If you aren't familiar with pin intricacies, basically, diaper pins are the kind of safety pins that have plastic heads on them. Safety pins are purely steel.  Safety pins do come in different sizes, so be sure to get 2 inch / 5 cm pins.)
2) Because we can use safety pins, which are readily available (whereas diaper pins are not as easy to find), I will NOT be ordering a bulk package of pins. If you were relying on me for pins, and you think you'll have difficulty locating safety pins please let me know as soon as you can and I will get some for you. Don't forget to tell me how many kits you are making.
3) Diapers, if hand-sewn, should measure 27" by 27"  or 69 cm by 69 cm.  Flat diapers are basically squares of flannel or other diaper-specific material.  Kushies, Small Wonders, and Gerber all make flat diapers.  Kushies can be purchased at Sears, Small Wonders can be purchased at Zellers.  Gerber diapers are more readily available in the states, where you can find them at Target, Toys R Us and Walmart. I haven't looked at Walmart here yet,  so I'm not sure if they carry flat diapers or not.  Anyone know? 

Well, I just want to close by thanking all of you who have committed to make kits. I feel so honoured that you have chosen to be a part of this project alongside my family.  Please let me know how your kits are coming along. If you  have a picture of a kit you've made, I'd love to show it here!  

Peace to you,

Jen