When my son says, “I need that lego set”, I understand what he means. He feels that that toy is essential for him to have right now. But, what is truly essential to the 51% of Brooklyn kids who are living below the federal poverty level? Cribs, car seats, carriers, clothes and diapers. Many of these children live in single mother households or who have mothers who are teenagers. They do have essential needs.
Little Essentials is a community-based organization that provides free baby and toddler (to age 4) clothing, furniture and other essential items to Brooklyn families living in poverty. Little Essentials helps keep children safe (in cribs, car seats and clothing); lifts the spirits and provides hope to their parents; takes care of our environment by reusing items that are only briefly used.
Since its founding in June 2010, Little Essential has collected donations from 242 families and distributed these essentials to 464 children in need living in Brooklyn with product donations currently totaling $40,388.
The idea that became Little Essentials was born in June 2010 when Sandie Trombert, the founder, noticed multiple listings from other parents in her neighborhood for free baby items. As a mother of a young child, living in Brooklyn, she recognized that low-income mothers often lack basic necessities for their children and concluded that these items would be useful to local Brooklyn organizations who serve mothers living in poverty who do not have access to traditional sources of assistance. The response was tremendous- both the influx of product donations and the need in the community. In fact, it turned out to be much more than a small volunteer effort could support, so in May 2011, Little Essentials became a 501 (c)(3) not for profit.
A recent recipient of goods collected by Little Essentials, a single mother with toddler twins and a newborn, said,
“This really lifted me off my feet. I’m not working and what you did for me really helped me out. I honestly don’t know how to thank you. You made my Christmas good. You put in a little bit of everything. I love it all. It’s awesome.”
Here are some essential needs:
Cribs (no drop side)
Pack & Plays
Diapers (opened ok)
Strollers
Car seats
Carriers/Slings
2T-4T clothes
What is accepted is here:
All gently used donations must be in excellent condition—not stained, torn or dirty. Equipment must have all parts, straps, be in good working condition (instructions are helpful). Toys must include all parts and pieces, and be bundled together. If you plan to donate a car seat please complete this waiver form and submit it with your donation.
Schedule a pick-up
Little Essentials will at no cost to donor pickup if you have large items (e.g cribs, bassinets) and/or (3) or more large kitchen sized bags of clothes, toys or other essentials on designated days from donor homes in Brooklyn New York.
To schedule a pickup email: info@littleessentials.org – subject line “Pickup Donations.”
Donate Your Time
We are always looking for volunteers to help us get essentials to Brooklyn’s neediest childen.
To donate, contact info@littleessentials.org – subject line “In-Kind Donation.”