LETTER FROM FOUNDER

Dear Friend,
When my son Jackson was born in 2005, it was hard to imagine how quickly he would outgrow his baby clothes and other gear that was so important in those early years. The day after his 1st birthday party, with him sitting on my lap, I said to him, "Jack, we must find a way to put all of these things that you have outgrown to good use. We are so fortunate, so we must find a way to give back." Then it hit me, I have been on the Board of Directors for El Nido Family Centers and I knew that they had the largest teen parent program in the state. I thought, what a terrific companion program this would be for that program and so Baby Basket California was born.

My life was transformed by El Nido when I was a teen, so I have a unique view as to how clients feel when in crisis. The success of our program has already far exceeded my expectations and the depths as to how these teen parents and their children are affected by receiving the basics for their children leaves me grateful and in awe. When any parent is concerned about keeping their child warm, or not having the next size pajamas, not being able to afford diapers or diluting formula since there is no more left, it is impossible to move on with their lives. These simple but necessary items, allow parents to focus on their family's future.

In the last 3 years, Baby Basket California has expanded its program reaching out to help more families in need. We now work with 13 partner non-profit organizations and have added two Baby Basket Stores stocked with clothing and other essential items supported by your donations where parents shop for FREE!

With 20% of babies living in extreme poverty in Los Angeles County, the need is great. Through your donation of gently used baby clothes, gear, blankets and financial donations, the lives of these babies and their parents in crisis are helped beyond belief. Please help these babies start their lives in a safe and loving way.

With much gratitude,
Kathy Perez
Founder, President Baby Basket California