Are you looking for a local organization to give back to this Holiday season? Look no further, this is where to give this Holiday season…Bundles of Joy New York. Bundles of Joy New York is a not-for-profit charitable organization that provides essentials to babies, toddlers and new parents in Westchester County. It is an organization started by Adrienne Harper, a Westchester Mom, located in the heart of Westchester County. They give new parents and babies from birth to 3 years old the essentials they need to thrive. They supply items free of charge through generous donations from the community.
How can you help?
You can donate items, host a collection among your friends or in your social network. They have an Amazon Wish List that you can directly purchase items from or you can donate funds, which enable them to buy in-demand hygiene items and toiletries. One fun thing trending right now is to “purchase a Bundle” in lieu of a hostess gift.
“There is so much gift giving this season, which is wonderful, but as an adult, I don’t need another box of chocolates or a candle…I’d much rather that money go to a family in need, right in my neighborhood. After all, it’s the thought that counts, anyway.” Adrienne Harper, Founder of Bundles of Joy NY.
What types of items do they need?
They collect new and gently used clothing, boots, shoes, baby gear, toys, books and feeding supplies. As temperatures drop, there is demand for warm clothing for babies and toddlers. They take size newborn to size 5. Winter coats, snowsuits, hats, mittens and socks are in high demand right now. They always need toiletries like bath wash/shampoo, lotion, diaper cream. The moms they serve always ask for feminine products because they’re relatively expensive and not covered by any subsidies.
For a complete list, please check out their website.
Where can you drop off these items?
The Bronxville Public Library- Second Floor (201 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, NY) is a public drop-off location. On Saturday, December 1, Westy’s Self Storage in Tuckahoe (65 Marbledale Rd, Tuckahoe, NY) is letting Bundles of Joy take over their lobby for a drop-off and sorting party!
They Need Volunteers. Here are their Volunteer Events.
Saturday, December 1 – Donation Drop & Sorting Event
Westy’s Self Storage Lobby at 65 Marbledale Rd, Tuckahoe, NY from 9AM-12PM
Join Bundles of Joy at Westy’s in Tuckahoe – they’ll collect winter donations and sort in preparation for their POP Up Event. They’re looking for warm clothing, outerwear, and new hygiene and toiletries as well! They need many hands to help sort so this is a great opportunity to give an hour of your time that will make a huge impact.
Friday, December 7 – Holiday Gift Wrapping
The Villa – Bronxville 7 PM
Got gift wrapping skills? Help wrap holiday gifts for children living in homeless shelters. They have the toys – they just need YOU! This is a fun family event and they encourage any and all young wrappers accompanied by a grownup.
Saturday, December 15 – Pop Up Holiday Event at local Shelter
A personal favorite – this is what it’s ALL about. They are bringing their inventory to families living in a local shelter and giving them a shopping experience! They will bring loads of gifts for all the kids to enjoy while their parents “shop.” They are looking for volunteers to help parents find sizes, search through items and hold adorable babies. You’ll leave feeling like you’re on top of the world.
“It’s my favorite event because I get to meet the families and hold babies while parents “shop” our stuff. The moms (and dads) love it, the kids love it and we leave feeling like we’re on top of the world. There is no greater high than seeing the relief on these mom’s faces and knowing you had something to do with making them feel empowered, cared for and important.” Adrienne Harper, Bundles of Joy NY founder
Thursday, December 20 – Holiday Gift Giving
White Plains Library- 100 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY
Delivering lots of JOY to babies and toddlers there is no greater feeling than Holiday Cheer and seeing these kids smile. They need a couple volunteers to help deliver and pass out toys.
Other Ways to Support Bundles of Joy
Shop Sammy + Nat pajamas – For every pair sold, they’re giving a onesie to a baby in need! Giving never looked (and felt) so good! You can get yours online at www.sammyandnat.com or visit them at The Westchester (across from Santa) or their Rye location 88 Purchase Street.
Purchase directly from their Amazon Wishlist – You’ll find the in-demand items families are requesting this season! They aren’t just giving away toys, they are giving loads of Bundles filled with essentials (like soap, socks, mittens, hats and more) so that families have the tools they need to thrive.
Spread the Word – this is the easiest way to help us! Let people know what they are up to so that they can reach even more kids in need. Bundles of Joy is all about connecting those who have with those who need so please pass on the good word.
About Bundles of Joy
We asked Adrienne Harper, founder of Bundles of Joy to Tell Us More about how Bundles of Joy got started.
I vividly remember the moment I knew I wanted to start Bundles of Joy. I was driving back from a Thanksgiving family trip and talking with my husband. At the time, we had Sloane in the backseat who was just a few months old. I was contemplating returning to work and said…’if I leave my kid(s) it has to be for something meaningful and important to me.’ My experience volunteering at Cradles to Crayons in Boston stuck with me and I couldn’t stop thinking about children in need of everyday items. As a first-time mom, I was feeling the stress of first-time parenthood and could not imagine doing it without the basics. To have to struggle on top of all the uncertainties of parenthood just seemed too much to bear. As much as I wanted to help babies, I also wanted to alleviate the burden that so many struggling families feel. It is as much about the moms and dads as it is the babies. Parenthood is hard no matter who you are but there are certain tools that can make you feel in control and able to ride out the bumps in the road. Feeling like you’re able to thrive instead of just survive is something important to me as mom and as the Founder of Bundles of Joy.
How many families have you helped so far?
This past summer we hit a huge milestone of 1,000 Bundles delivered since March 2017. While we always have new families, we also have a bunch of repeat customers. There’s a set of babies/toddlers who we get to see every once in a while, deliver Bundles to and play with. A funny story… I delivered our first batch of Bundles only 3 weeks after my son, Wesley was born. At the time there was a newborn baby, Kevin, same exact age as my Wesley. Every time I fill a Bundle for him, I always imagine it’s for Wesley. It becomes very personal when you have the opportunity to meet the babies you serve and when you feel a connection. Wesley and Kevin have even met a few times which made me so emotional. You can’t NOT feel emotional when you meet these sweet babies. You just want to give them the world.
Get In Touch with Bundles of Joy
Follow @bundlesofjoyny on instagram
Check their Instagram page often because they often post about urgently needed items or calls to action. One day they may need someone to deliver Bundles to a nearby location or perhaps they are desperately seeking a stroller or snowsuit for a baby in need.
Email Adrienne@BundlesOfJoyNY.org
Get in touch with Adrienne to volunteer, host a Holiday collection drive, “Purchase A Bundle” in lieu of hostess gifts.
Visit their Website
Donate to their Amazon Wish List
Be sure to Follow Us on Instagram, Like Us on Facebook for the latest updates and subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter.