Pay It Forward: One mom fills Central Oregon’s baby supply gap, “step up to the plate”
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Central Oregon Baby Resources Program received a $500 donation this month through KTVZ's Pay It Forward Program, to help local parents secure essential supplies. The Redmond-based charity provides clothing, diapers and other equipment for children up to age 8.
The donation is part of a KTVZ initiative, sponsored by Mid-Oregon Credit Union and Dutch Bros Coffee, to recognize individuals and groups improving the community. The Central Oregon Baby Resources Program operates out of NeighborImpact and focuses on filling gaps in local support services for families.
Kiersten Wertheimer runs the Central Oregon Baby Resources Program as a solo operation. She established the charity after identifying a lack of specific resources for families in the area.
"I decided to do this because I saw a need in the community and I just wanted to fill it," Wertheimer said. "I'm one of those people that if I see something, I just kind of just step up to the plate and and do it. So here I am doing it."
While the name focuses on infants, the program supports children up to age 8. In addition to providing physical goods, such as strollers and car seats, the charity assists parents in securing postpartum care.
Since its launch in February, the organization has served approximately 300 children. During that period, Wertheimer has distributed around 4,500 items to local families.
The $500 from the Pay It Forward Program will be used to purchase clothing for young children.
Community members interested in donating items or volunteering can find more information on the Central Oregon Baby Resources website or their FaceBook page.
