As a parent of five, I can confidently say that those early years put quite a financial squeeze on parents. Children’s clothes and shoes are expensive. Add to that those things needed for infants, such as highchairs, cribs, bouncers, and other things, and it is almost impossible for a young family to make ends meet.
This is what motivated Laura Kellander to start Pay It Forward in Mill Hall.
“When my daughter was a baby, we were very blessed by some family friends giving us baby clothes,” said Kellander. “It dawned on me that it would be great to have a Facebook marketplace for free kids’ clothes to pass along what our family doesn’t need and to get the next size up. Kids are in clothes sizes for such a short time, after all.”
The first Pay it Forward event was held in December 2011, and in the next few years (upon moving it to October), Laura and her church group from Cedar Heights Brethren In Christ hosted a harvest party the same day as an additional outreach for those that attended Pay it Forward. Ultimately, this effort became too cumbersome, but they have kept the event in October to be ready for cold weather and Halloween in case a child needed a coat or costume.
“Pay it Forward has always been for kids of any age to help us as parents and caregivers come together and ultimately be the hands and feet of God,” said Kellander. She went on to say that her church family has been supportive from the beginning. “From the first time I talked to the pastor about doing it, the church helped sort through and organize donations as well as set up for the event. There is a core group of folks that have worked on it every year, with some additional people that have helped through the years.”
Over the years, Pay It Forward has averaged approximately 100 families. In the last four years, however, there has been a steady increase in participation. “Last year, we hosted about 200 families,” said Kellander. “We hope to continue the growth and serve as many families as possible.”
When asked about whether the community supported the event, Kellander said the community has responded very well, and they get many of their donations from area families. Many of those generous families are like-minded and want to pass along what their kids have outgrown. Most of them also attend the event. In addition, many area businesses have stepped up by donating various products or services.
Pay it Forward has no paid employees and is run completely by the generosity of volunteers and people providing donations. The group accepts donations of gently used kid’s clothing (maternity through teen), shoes, coats, and gear, including cribs, highchairs, etc., year-round. To set up a drop-off date/time, folks can a message through the Pay It Forward Facebook page or call the Cedar Heights Brethren In Christ Church. The group has also partnered with area companies like Croda so that their employees are able to assist with the event. So, check with your employer to find out if your company is an event partner.
“When Pay it Forward started 12 years ago, when it was laid on my heart to start something for parents and caregivers to come together to get what our kids need. The goal has always been for it to be free and without income guidelines. These days, no matter what your salary, everyone can use a little help providing for their kids,” said Kellander.
Pay It Forward will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Cedar Heights Brethren in Christ Church, Mill Hall, PA (Rt 64). For more information, contact the church office at 570-726-3490 or find them on Facebook.com/payitforwardexchange.
