This post was in partnership with Huggies and Walgreens but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"Kindness has been a big topic of conversation in our home lately. With two young children and two working parents, we field our share of tantrums, sibling fights, and general disconnectedness. Basically, if we’re not thoughtful about it, our home seems like it might devolve into a den of unkindness—hardly the peaceful place we envisioned raising our family in.
All of this is to say that when it comes to raising good kids with big hearts, we try to be methodical about it. To drive home the importance of giving back, it’s imperative that our kids see us really embracing that lifestyle. We offset tantrums with simple acts of kindness and we come together as a family by supporting others who need a helping hand. It’s our hope that the more our girls see us sharing our time and resources with others, the more we’ll normalize a generous, charitable mindset, and in turn, naturally nudge them in the right direction as they grow.
Thinking about how you can spread a little kindness and model what giving back looks like for your kids? Here are five ways you can lend your support to struggling moms and their families right now.
Source: William Fortunato | Pexels
1. Join the #HuggiesStrollerSelfie Challenge
Diapers are non-negotiable for families with young children. And yet, 1 in 3 American families struggles with the financial burden of diapering their little ones, where they lack enough supply of diapers to help keep a baby or toddler’s skin clean, dry, and healthy. Huggies and Walgreens are doing their part to help families in need gain access to this basic necessity with the HelpingHugs™ campaign.
For the fifth year running, the two brands have joined forces to help families in need, and this year, The Everymom is thrilled to take part. Together, we’re asking families to look out for one another and make a huge impact with a small act of giving back.
There are 3 simple ways to take part in the HelpingHugs™ campaign:
- Join our first ever virtual, self-led stroller run/walk (or even drive!) by simply snapping a selfie on your diaper run to Walgreens, using the hashtag #HuggiesStrollerSelfie and tagging @theeverymom and @huggies. The Everymom will make a $1 donation up to $5,000 to the National Diaper Bank Network.
- Purchase a pack of Huggies during your self-led stroller run/walk (or even drive!) to your local Walgreens—or purchase at Walgreens.com—during the month of August and a 1-day supply of diapers will be donated to the National Diaper Bank Network, up to 1 million diapers.*
- Take to Instagram and like, comment, or share The Everymom’s call to help families in need.
This challenge is such a simple way to enact meaningful change for struggling families. And because 78 percent of Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens location, it doesn’t take much to make a profound difference.
*Between 8/1/21 and 8/31/21, for every one package of Huggies Diapers purchased, Huggies will donate one day’s worth of diapers (7 diapers) to the National Diaper Bank Network, up to a maximum of 1,000,000 diapers.
Source: Alaina Kaczmarski
2. Stock Your Local Food Bank
For families struggling with food insecurity, a local food bank can be a lifesaver. Make sure your neighbors have plenty to choose from by donating non-perishable items to a food pantry in your area. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the power of generosity, too. Bring your little ones to the grocery store—or help them round out your curbside pick-up order—and let them choose some of their favorite foods to share with others. Even if you can’t afford to donate financially, sharing your time is equally important. Food pantries often need help sorting and stocking donations to ensure food gets into the hands of those in need. Need help finding a food bank near you? Feeding America has a searchable network of pantries all across the country.
3. Donate Baby Gear to Women’s Shelters
If you have baby items—from clothing to bottles to carriers—check in with your local women’s shelter to see if they are in need of gently used goods. Many women escape domestic violence situations with their little ones without time to take the items they need. By sharing baby necessities, you may help ease the burden of young families in crisis.
Need help finding a local organization in need? The YWCA is the largest provider of domestic violence services in the U.S., so seeking out your local chapter can be a great place to start.
Source: Jonathan Borba | Unsplash
4. Make Hygiene Kits
For moms and their families experiencing homelessness, access to basic necessities may be hard to come by. Finding a local organization to support is as easy as a quick Google search and many have wishlists already available. Then hit up your local pharmacy and fill your cart with items like resealable bags, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, and tampons. Then make your donation or keep these on-hand in your car for when you come across someone in need.
5. Write Cards to Kids in Hospitals
For children who are battling serious illnesses and have extended hospital stays, a cheerful card may help bring a little sunshine their way. Get your little ones to donate their time and artistic skills by hauling out construction paper, crayons, and all sorts of crafting supplies for an afternoon of spirit-boosting card creation. Or St. Jude’s makes it easy to send a message via their website, allowing you to choose an e-card inspired by St. Jude’s patients.
Talking about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it can help drive home the importance of giving to others. Contact your local children’s hospital to inquire about delivering your cards to kids in need. They may have a card or gift program, or you may be able to start a card drive on your own.
This post was in partnership with Huggies and Walgreens but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.