Giving bACK

Having a baby is one of the greatest gifts this life has to offer. Imagine though what it would be like if you and your baby had to flee. That is the fate of far too many this holiday season. I know we can’t help everyone but I believe small acts are powerful and we can all make an effort to help everyday. In light of this season of giving I am organizing a drive here on island to send carriers to these families in need. Carry the Future is an organization that accepts new and used baby carriers (no slings, see below) and fits parents fleeing through Greece with a free carrier. This small act of kindness is an act of support for families and for peace. If you have a gently used carrier, or would like to purchase a carrier to donate, please let me know. The information below has links to buy new carriers at all price points from Amazon along with dried food and socks. These new items can be shipped directly to the organization or to me. (My address is 2 Greglen Ave #244 Nantucket MA 02554). It is suggested to tuck a note in the pocket of the carrier. Since many of these families don’t speak English a simple heart, peace sign, or stickers would mean a lot and is a simple thing you and your child can do to provide a gift to someone in need.

I am collecting carriers and will send them out around the holidays. This small act of kindness can make such a difference and provide families suffering the most frightening and challenging situation I can imagine a helping hand. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! In support of families everywhere and hope for peace one day so no one will have to suffer – Sunny

From Carry the Future
FAQ’s ON BABY CARRIERS FOR REFUGEES:

Q: Do refugees really benefit from baby carriers?
A: Absolutely! We personally distribute the carriers in Greece and fit each parent and baby to ensure the carriers are properly fitted and used safely. We are already getting reports of refugees making it safely to Germany wearing their babies, so we know it’s working!

Q: What sort of baby carriers can I donate?
A: Please send us your gently used Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs). These are basically any carrier that has clasps or harnesses, and Mei Teis (square cloth with four ties). Our favorites are Baby Bjorn, Kolcraft, MobyGo, Mei Teis, Tulla and Ergo, but we accept all brands of SSCs.
You can also purchase new ones for us on this Amazon wish list.

Q: Why don’t you accept wraps, slings, pouches or other non-structured carriers?
A: We have to fit refugees in about 2 minutes flat, usually in very chaotic and crowded harbors, and without any spoken instructions (given that most don’t speak English). Because of that, wraps and slings are not a safe or efficient option. Structured carriers on the other hand are considerably more user friendly and have a much easier learning curve.

Q: My carrier is broken/recalled. Should I send it?
A: No. We cannot repair carriers and we have to discard recalled ones. Please only send us a carrier you would also give to a close friend! Old carriers, worn carriers, faded carriers are perfectly ok to send, but please no broken or recalled ones!

Q: Where should I send it to?
A: Please mail your carrier to:
Carry The Future 121 W. Lexington Drive Suite L106G
Glendale, CA 91203

Q: Can I include anything along with my carrier?
A: If you like, pin a note to the refugee who will be receiving your carrier by using a paper clip! If your carrier has a pocket, you can also stuff it with items such as: plush toy, baby/toddler socks/hat/mittens, high protein snacks and/or electrolyte or vitamin packets.

Q: Can I donate other items like toys or clothing to Carry The Future?
A: No. At this time we are only accepting soft structured baby carriers and monetary donations. We are a very new organization, with 501c3 status pending, so we have to be very cost effective. Sending clothing and toys by plane with our volunteers is very costly, and we would rather spend our limited funds on carriers!

Q: Can I join you on a future trip/volunteer with your organization?
A: Absolutely! The first thing you should do, is collect donated carriers from your friends and family and have them all pitch in for shipping costs. Also, liking and sharing our social media accounts and fundraisers is extremely helpful. Lastly, you can add yourself to our official Carry The Future Volunteers group page here on Facebook for printable fliers, FAQ’S and support.

Here is a link to the Article “Five Ways You can Help Refugees with Small Children”:
http://www.mamabebeblog.com/…/5-ways-you-can-help-syrian-re…
HERE ARE FIVE WAYS YOU CAN HELP SYRIAN REFUGEES TRAVELING TO SAFETY WITH SMALL CHILDREN!
1. Mail us your clean, gently used structured baby carriers to (PLEASE NO ITEMS OTHER THAN SOFT STRUCTURED BABY CARRIERS such as Bjorns, Ergos, Mei Teis):
CarryTheFuture
121 W. Lexington Drive
Suite L 106G
Glendale CA 91203
**Please don’t send wraps, ring slings or pouches at this time, as they are unsuitable for these circumstances, given that we have to fit the parent in less than 3 minutes with little to no spoken words. Again, please do not send items that aren’t carriers at this time, but feel free to add a small plush toy, protein bar, socks, note, etc. INSIDE the pocket of your carrier if it has a pocket.
Cheapest way to ship is in a soft polymailer by standard parcel.**

2. Donate towards the purchase/shipment of more baby carriers:
Check out “3000 Baby Carriers for Syrian Refugees in Kos” on Indiegogo http://igg.me/at/MamaBebeKos/shre/659033
Or…
https://www.amazon.com/…/ref=cm_sw_su_w/185-7460269-0565702…
3. Donate towards the purchase of a Care Package for a Syrian Refugee Child:
Check out “Operation Refugee Child ” on Indiegogo http://igg.me/at/carrythefutureORC/shre
4. Help spread awareness by liking and sharing our fundraisers and posts. 90% of our funding and success is thanks to people like you liking and sharing.
5. Join our team! We are a rapidly expanding organization looking for both casual and dedicated volunteers around the world. If you want to help we have a place for you! To join us, please join our volunteer group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/520857511406561/requests/…
*CarryTheFuture is currently in the process of obtaining 501(c)3 status