Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is the Kiwanis BabyCare Cupboard?
The BabyCare
Cupboard is a non-profit charitable program sponsored by local Kiwanis Clubs
and Kiwanis International. The
purpose
of the BabyCare Cupboards is to serve babies and young children of our
community by supplying infant necessities such as diapers, formula and baby food
to low-income Utah families to meet their basic survival needs and to address
essential issues affecting their quality of life.
What
is Kiwanis?
“Kiwanis is a global organization of
volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a
time.” Kiwanis
was organized in 1915 in Detroit, Mich.
Kiwanis Club chapters are now found in 96 countries. “A typical Kiwanis
club is a snapshot of its community, with members from all walks of life and at
every step of the career ladder. They are unified in their belief that children
and their communities benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring
and involved volunteers.”
Why
did Kiwanis establish BabyCare Cupboards?
More than 200,000 Utahns live under the
poverty line. Thirty-nine percent of
them are children. Many families
struggle to provide the
basic needs of infants and toddlers.
After learning of the vital need to
provide diapers, formula, baby food and other care items, the Capitol Hill
Kiwanis Club began its BabyCare
Cupboard in 2000. Since then, the
Club has assisted eight other club chapters to start BabyCare
Cupboards in their own areas, making vital resources available to children
and families in many Utah and Idaho communities.
How
are Babycare Cupboard materials dispersed?
All BabyCare
Cupboards work in cooperation with already existing food pantries or shelter
centers. This method keeps costs
and
maintenance to a minimum, while providing substantial service to needy
families. Kiwanis Clubs are mainly
involved with fundraising
efforts, keeping BabyCare Cupboards stocked, while allowing food pantry
personnel the freedom to disperse materials as needed.
How
many people has BabyCare Cupboard helped so far?
Many statistics are not currently
available. However, 8,696
children received assistance in 2004 and one chapter alone served 1,366
infants and children per month through BabyCare Cupboards in
2005.
Kiwanis BabyCare Cupboards make a
difference!
How
are BabyCare Cupboards funded?
The Capitol Hill Kiwanis Club
established the first BabyCare Cupboard with money from the club’s own
fundraising efforts. In 2004
and
2005, the Capitol Hill Kiwanis Club was awarded $25,000 grants from Kiwanis
International. The Capitol Hill Club has
used the grant
money to assist eight other area chapters to establish local BabyCare
Cupboards.
Chapters interested in
establishing BabyCare
Cupboards must first raise $2,500 through their own efforts. The Capitol Hill Kiwanis
Club will then match that sum in helping to serve children and families in local
communities.
How
can I get involved?
Individuals wishing to contribute
goods, money or time can do so at their local BabyCare
Cupboard. Donations are
always welcome.
One way to make a big difference in your
own community is to join your local Kiwanis Club. Speak
with a Kiwanis member for more information.
Contact
Us
Kiwanis
BabyCare Fund,
P.O.
Box 2124
Salt
Lake City, UT 84110-2124.
Or email us at kiwanisbabycare@gmail.com
