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One Heartfelt Way to Support Syrian Refugees: Donate a Baby Carrier
In a touching effort to aid Syrian refugees, a mom from California has launched a global initiative aimed at providing baby carriers to families in need. Meet Jessica Hartman, the founder of Carry The Future. What began as a simple mission to supply a few baby carriers to displaced families in Europe has blossomed into a worldwide movement.
Jessica’s crowdfunding campaign, Operation Refugee Child, initially sought to raise $2,500 for 100 baby carriers. Instead, it has garnered almost $100,000 in donations, partnered with MOBY to secure carriers at wholesale prices, and received thousands of contributions from generous individuals.
Q&A: How You Can Help
If you’re interested in making a difference by donating, here’s a handy Q&A:
Q: What types of baby carriers can I donate?
A: We welcome new or gently used Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs). These include any carriers with clasps or harnesses and Mei Teis (which are square cloths with four ties). Our favorites include Baby Bjorn, Kolcraft, MobyGo, Mei Teis, Tula, and Ergo, but we accept all brands of SSCs.
Q: Why don’t you accept wraps, slings, or pouches?
A: During distribution, we often have to fit carriers onto refugees in less than two minutes, usually amidst chaos and without spoken instructions (most don’t speak English). Structured carriers are much more user-friendly and easier to fit quickly.
Q: What if my carrier is broken or recalled?
A: Please do not send any broken or recalled carriers, as we cannot repair them. Only send a carrier you would feel comfortable giving to a friend! Worn and faded carriers are perfectly fine.
Q: Where should I send my carrier?
A: Kindly mail your carrier to: C/O Carry The Future.
Your support can make a world of difference for families trying to navigate an incredibly challenging time. Just ask Sarah Thompson from Oregon, who is actively distributing carriers in Greece. She shares heartwarming stories of refugees receiving carriers, and one father exclaimed “relief” as he was able to carry his child comfortably on his back, freeing his hands to care for his other children. It’s incredible how something as simple as a baby carrier can empower parents to multitask in dire situations—most of us can’t even imagine the struggles they face while seeking safety.
Jessica Hartman’s initiative proves that one person’s determination can snowball into a massive wave of support. Don’t ever think that you can’t make a difference; if Jessica had given up, countless families would have missed out on this vital assistance.
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Summary
This article highlights Jessica Hartman’s inspiring initiative, Carry The Future, which provides baby carriers to Syrian refugee families. With a successful crowdfunding campaign, the project has made a significant impact by enabling parents to carry their children while managing the challenges of displacement. Donations of soft structured carriers are welcomed, as they are easier to fit quickly in chaotic environments. The stories shared by volunteers demonstrate the profound difference that a simple carrier can make in the lives of those seeking safety.