Helping the Helpless

Last week, images of a mother repeatedly punching her little daughter after returning her to the back of a van were caught on tape and flashed on the news nationwide. Later, the little girl was taken from her home and put into foster care.

This incident is a graphic reminder of a horrific problem that preys on our weakest and most vulnerable citizens. The sickening fact is that over 250,000 neglected and abused children must be rescued from their home environments and placed in foster care each year.

Many, if not most of these children arrive in foster care without their own "stuff." The Dr. Laura Schlessinger Foundation provides "My Stuff Bags," filled with new belongings, to thousands of these children. American Mothers, Inc. has pledged to help by providing blankets for these bags. Frankly, AMI has not been able to meet the pressing demand for these comforting blankets. At the same time, the need for them is increasing daily.

The best solution would be for all parents to treasure their children and to provide a safe and nurturing home for them. In the meantime, ordinary citizens can let these children know that someone cares by donating any new, handmade or purchased blanket in any size suitable for babies through teens.

A blanket can be made in less than an hour with 1 to 1 ½ yards of fleece and a pair of scissors. No sewing is required. Monetary donations are also accepted. Those who would like to organize a project under the umbrella of a church or civic organization in their community will be much appreciated. Postage is available for shipping the blankets to the Dr. Laura Foundation.

Please go to americanmothers.org and click on "Comfy Covers" or contact AMI toll-free at 877-242-4AMI for details.