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February 16, 2018

Bethlehem House pregnancy support center in need of volunteers, donations

REGIONAL
By Rebecca Drake

Twin Bethlehem House clients are among those served at the local pregnancy center each week. (IObserve photos/courtesy of Bethlehem House)

 

EASTHAMPTON – With 30 clients a week coming through its doors, including five sets of triplets in the last two and a half years, Bethlehem House Pregnancy Care Center is busy helping parents provide for their infants and toddlers up to age 2.

The center, which receives funds from the Annual Catholic Appeal, is located at 33 Knipfer Ave., here, and is presently in dire need of both donations and volunteers, said Pam Hibbard, director.

Members of the Women’s Club at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton display items they donated to Bethlehem House.

While there is a particular need for boys and girls clothing in sizes 24 months and 2T, Hibbard said, all types of baby care items and clothes are welcomed, including car seats, strollers, cribs, mattresses, pack and plays, snow suits, shoes, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper bags and other things need to care for babies in their first two years of life. Clothing can be gently used and washed before donating, she said.

Hibbard said she and her staff are grateful for the help they continue to receive from parish groups, schools and organizations like the Knights of Columbus, which recently helped the center purchase mattresses.  

In addition to items, volunteers are needed at Bethlehem House for all types of tasks, Hibbard said, including answering phones, counseling, organizing supplies, doing yard work and updating the website. “We can’t function without volunteers,” she said.

Hibbard also noted that the clients who seek help at Bethlehem House, usually single women with limited means, are often reluctant to ask for help. “They say, ‘I don’t really want to ask for help,’ but by the time they leave, their spirits are built up.

“We tell them, ‘You are the heroes, you are standing up for life. Our volunteers have been through hard times too, we understand.’”

Individuals, parish groups, schools and other organizations willing to donate to or volunteer at Bethlehem House can call the center at 413.527.2861 or visit the website at www.bethlehemhousewma.org.  

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