Baby Pantry Helps Families in Need - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Baby Pantry Helps Families in Need

By Natalie Zarowny
nzarowny@cbs4qc.com

The baby pantry at Coal Valley Church of the Nazarene is the only one of its kind in the Quad City Area.

And folks who frequent the place, are grateful it's there.

"I'm a single mom and it's just nice to know there are people to help you in your time of need," said Christina Goins, a local mom.

The baby pantry was started seven years ago by a group from the church.

Since then, the pantry's been open once a month, every month.

For folks like new mom Mireya Flores, it's a blessing in her time of need.

"When I heard about this place it was really wonderful because they have plenty of things that you can definitely use, still very good condition," said Mireya.

Organizers said the pantry's a place folks in need like Mireya can go to pick up clothes, diapers, and even baby food, all without any judgment.

"It amazes us what people need," said Phyllis Webb, one of the pantry organizers.

But just a month ago, the pantry itself fell into some hard times.

"There were so many people in here.  And then at the end of the year, when we packed up, we realized we didn't have anything, hardly," said Phyllis.

After spreading the word about being short on supplies, organizers said this month's baby pantry is a success, thanks to some very generous donors.

"I just didn't know what to do with that food and I had it sitting around for a little while so I just thought I'd drop it by," said Stephanie Shelton, a local mom.

Organizers said the real beauty of the baby pantry is parents who are coming to get items for their kids, are often dropping off their old items for others too.

"You know that there's people that need it so, why not give it back?  Why not give back to the community?" said Phyllis.

If you want to donate any baby items to the pantry, you can call the church at (309) 799-7761.