A Precious Child collects donated new and gently-used baby gear and distributes items to families in the most need through our Resource Center. A Precious Child also collects donated new diapers, wipes, baby food, formula and other baby necessities so families don’t have to ration or go without for their babies. Families are referred to our Resource Center by our Agency Partners, including schools, human services organizations, churches, hospitals, safe houses, fire and police departments, at-risk youth centers, mental health and foster care organizations and homeless shelters.

Once referred, clients call and make an appointment with a Client Outcomes Advocate to come shop for the basic essentials they need in a welcoming store-like setting with no cost to families.

In addition to baby essentials, A Precious Child also provides “Bright By Three” kits that offer parents of children newborn to 3 years of age with tools, information and resources to empower them to be the first and most influential teacher in their child’s life.

Diaper Need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant or toddler clean and healthy. Infants in low-income families are at great risk of suffering the effects of Diaper Need because many families can’t afford diapers (NDBN). On average, an infant uses about 240 diapers a month, with a year’s supply of diapers costing $936 (AAP). With over 38% of Colorado infants and toddlers living in low-income families, the reality and effects of Diaper Need are a part of everyday life for the children we serve at A Precious Child.

Exposure to poverty in early childhood materially impacts brain development at school-age, further underscoring the importance of attention to the well-established deleterious effects of poverty on child development. (JAMA Pediatrics)

Growing up in difficult circumstances dictated by poverty can damage a child’s cognitive skills for a lifetime. By providing diapers, educational resources and other tools to empower parents, we give families in need the resources and the confidence they need to care for their little ones and help their infants grow up in a healthy environment.