With budgets stretched, many young families are turning to the Pregnancy Resource Center of Southeast Kansas for baby supplies — especially diapers and formula.
Typically, such items collected through the Christmas season Manger Tree project last throughout the year. Those supplies are already becoming depleted, said Rose Elliss, PRC executive director.
Last year the PRC served more than 100 clients. During the first three months of this year, more than 50 people have already asked the Center for supplies, Elliss said.
The Center, which serves Allen, Anderson, Woodson and Neosho counties, relies on donations from area residents to keep its doors open. It does not receive any state or federal subsidies.
ON SATURDAY, soy candles, soaps, embroidery, quilts and other handmade items will fill the Recreation Community Building in Riverside Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the PRC’s second annual Spring Craft Fair.
“We have 23 exhibitors signed up so far for the craft fair and are hoping for at least five more to fill the old gymnasium,” Elliss said.
Sonic Equipment has offered the use of its cotton candy and SnoCone machines with all proceeds going to the Center. Iola Kiwanis will provided train rides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with half of its proceeds going to the PRC.
Those attending the craft fair may register to win a child-size Adirondack lawn chair. Tickets will also be sold for a solid oak hutch by Ivenchie Designs, which will be given away at the event. Tickets for the hutch are $2.50 each and may be purchased Saturday or by calling the PRC at 365-3308. Proceeds from the drawing will be given to the Center.
THE CENTER will use the money collected on Saturday to buy diapers and breast pumps for women who breastfeed their infants. In the past three weeks there have been seven newborns in need of supplies. The Center also has four people on a wait list for breast pumps, Elliss said.
The PRC is located at 1 S. Jefferson in The One Inc. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or by appointment.
