VPFW and Villa Advocacy Group are joining forces again to collect spare formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, wipes, postpartum supplies, and menstrual supplies now through July 20 to be given away to families who need them at the event on July 23.
The formula and menstrual supply shortages of the past year have been difficult for families who are expecting or have little ones at home. Last year’s first ever Mama and Baby Supplies Drive and Giveaway hosted by VPFW and Villa allowed families who have extra supplies to donate them to families who need them. The event was a huge success, and we’re thrilled to hold a another event this summer.
This year’s Mama and Baby Supplies Drive and Giveaway will again be held at VPFW’s Koger Center office in North Chesterfield from 3-6pm on Sunday, July 23. The event is free and open to the public. The stand-alone building is easy to find – right in front of Costco near Chesterfield Towne Center – and it has ample parking.
VPFW and Villa are encouraging families who have spare supplies from the list below to drop them off at any of the six VPFW locations throughout greater Richmond and Prince George anytime through Thursday, July 20, or during the drive on Sunday, July 23. If you are in need of any of the following supplies, please stop by the drive from 3-6pm and take what you need for your family.
Mama and Baby Supplies Drive & Giveaway
hosted by Virginia Physicians for Women and Villa Exchange
3-6pm on Sunday, July 23
VPFW Koger Center office
1212 Koger Center Blvd (near Chesterfield Towne Center and Costco)
Donate what you have, and/or take what you need! Free and open to the public.
Items we’re collecting and distributing
You can drop off spare items from the list below at any VPFW location through Thursday, July 20, or at the beginning of the drive on July 23.
- Formula (Should be unopened and should not expire before September, 2023. Please also check the lot number to make sure it is not listed on this recall list.)
- Breastfeeding supplies such as pumps or pump parts (used or new) and breastmilk storage bags
- Bottles
- Diapers (open packs are fine!)
- Wipes (unopened containers)
- Postpartum pads (open packs are fine!)
- Postpartum ice packs
- Menstrual supplies (open packs are fine!)
*Please note that we don’t encourage clearing the shelves of local stores during the shortages in order to purchase items to donate, as local families need access to those items. We do encourage anyone who has extra, unneeded formula or supplies on hand to donate them to the drive for local families who need them.
Mama Raffle for Attendees
We’ll be raffling off tons of great mama prizes (doula packages, date night nanny service, mommy self-care packages, and more!) at the event. No donation necessary to enter.
Amazon Wishlist and Other Ways to Donate
Want to help but don’t have any supplies to donate? Or just prefer to donate without leaving your house?
You can now donate via Villa’s Amazon Wishlist to be delivered straight to our Koger Center at office at 1212 Koger Center Boulevard by Friday, July 21, and we’ll give everything out at the event.
You can also donate to Villa Advocacy Group/Villa Exchange online to help with its ongoing mission to support families in need of formula or other mama and baby supplies.
Have a more urgent need?
If you need formula or other supplies sooner than July 23, please request to join the Villa Exchange Facebook group and post your request. If your request is not satisfied through the group, fill out this request form and they will do what they can to fulfill your need.
RVA Formula Exchange is another Facebook group that’s helping to connect local families who need formula with families who have extra or know where to find it.
City of Richmond residents who are eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are encouraged to apply to receive a $125 formula gift card through Urban Baby Beginnings. The gift cards would benefit families in the program who may need to purchase formula at regular market price from stores that do not participate in WIC if they are not able to find formula at WIC participating stores. Fill out this form to apply for a formula gift card.
Dr. Hartle’s Focus Richmond Interview
Dr. Cara Hartle, VPFW OB/GYN and somewhat new mom herself, knows about the challenges new and expecting moms in our community are facing when it comes to finding the supplies they need to take care of their babies. Hear her full interview with K95’s Lori Kelly on Focus Richmond to learn more about the great need for these supplies and how you can help or benefit from our Mama and Baby Supplies Drive & Giveaway!
Need more formula, breastfeeding, or mental health resources for moms?
Dr. Hartle has also put together a list of formula, breastfeeding, and mental health resources to help Richmond area moms find the support they need during this challenging time in their lives. Please take a look, and know that you can feel comfortable reaching out to your VPFW provider or phone nurses if you have any questions or need more guidance to find the resources you need. It truly takes a village, and VPFW is here to help!
To schedule an appointment with a VPFW provider, you can call us at 804-597-6049 or set an appointment online.