This year, instead of jewelry, perfume, or clothing she already has, the Maternity Care Coalition says when you donate, you'll be able to honor your mother or another significant woman in your life, while helping young area women become better mothers.
For example:
* $100 buys a new family a crib and safe sleep education
* $75 provides lunches for toddlers in one of our programs
* $50 allows us to provide emergency diapers to help families meet their critical basic needs
* $25 in tokens can ensure transportation to doctors' appointments for mom and baby
In return for a donation, the coalition will send a card with your special message.
JoAnne Fischer, the MCC's executive director, tells Action News that more moms are in need of help than ever.
"We have long waiting lists for services at all of our sites," Fischer says.
Cuts in social programs at the federal, state, and local level make it hard to maintain services, let alone increase them.
"We haven't had increases from some agencies in 10 years," says Fischer. "So this campaign is very important for us."
One in three mothers in the U.S. struggles to afford diapers for her children. And often, she has to choose between food and diapers.
One advocate who works with the MCC's MOMobile gave this account:
"You don't realize how expensive diapers are until you have a baby. Or two babies, like my client who gave birth to twins," the advocate says.
"Last time I saw them, they both had diaper rash from wearing the same diaper for too long," she said.
The MCC has also launched a program to increase breastfeeding support in the area.
Between short hospital stays after birth, and geographically scattered familes, new mothers aren't getting the education and encouragement they need.
For more information on the coalition Mother's Day campaign, click here.