As the holiday season approaches, Healthy Birth Initiatives (HBI) is asking our community partners and neighbors to again help support the families in our program.
Many people are not aware that the African-American infant mortality rate is twice that of the general population. HBI serves low-income African-American women and their families living in North and Northeast Portland with a variety of support and services in an effort to reduce inequities that relate to infant mortality and morbidity.
In this time of economic turmoil and international tension, we can still make an important difference to our neighbors and community by standing together as we move through our lives. We hope that in this holiday season, supporting HBI families will be one of the ways you choose to do so.
In previous years, generous donors sponsored entire families. This process was wonderful for the families who were sponsored.
However, this year our goal is to make sure that all the children in our families receive gifts. We are asking that you consider making donations of one or more of the gifts listed below.
In order to ensure that all clients receive gifts of similar value, we ask that you stay within the suggested dollar amounts of between $8-$10. If you wish to spend more, please consider donating more than one gift. If you choose to wrap your gift, please label whether it is for a girl, boy or either and for which age group.
The following gifts are suggested for your holiday giving:
Baby supplies, clothes and toys for infants:
ages 0-2 years (130 of these types of gifts are needed)
Toys and books for girls:
ages 3-5 (60 of these types of gifts are needed)
ages 6-11 (45 of these types of gifts are needed)
ages 12-15 (35 of these types of gifts are needed)
Toys and books for boys:
ages 3-5 (60 of these types of gifts are needed)
ages 6-11 (45 of these types of gifts are needed)
ages 12-15 (35 of these types of gifts are needed)
Games, books or movies for families:
(120 of these types of gifts are needed)
Stress-Relief/Pampering items (candles, bubble bath and oils) for moms:
(120 of these types of gifts are needed)
Please bring gifts or gift cards to HBI, located at 5329 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland by Friday, Dec. 16. For questions or to make arrangements for donations to be picked up, contact Tameka Brazile at tameka.brazile@multco.us or 503-988-3387 ext. 22242, or Ellie Myrick at 503-988-3387 ext. 29074.