By Jessica Dillon
Moms Helping Hands of Southwest Virginia is a new organization that stepped in during the holiday season to help mothers in need with food, gifts, and essential items such as diapers.
The group is led by Kayla Martin, who, along with Christina Kinzer, launched the effort after seeing a need in the community.
“My friend Chrissy (Christina Kinzer) and I decided we wanted to do something for moms who needed help,” Martin said.
The organization began just before Thanksgiving, when the two created a sign-up sheet for families needing assistance during the holiday season.
“We kind of dug in headfirst and decided we wanted to turn this into a nonprofit organization as we finished Christmas and our first project,” Martin said.
The group organized a local outreach effort that included collecting donations of food, toys, and funds. Multiple individuals and several businesses contributed, allowing the group to assist eight families for Thanksgiving. During Christmas, the organization provided gifts for 57 children, with 25 businesses contributing.
“Me and Chrissy were reaching out nonstop,” Martin said.
Two local photographers donated money or photo packages, while a new business, Grandma’s Place, donated play packages. Two additional businesses sponsored Christmas for individual families.
“It was very overwhelming at first, but it was very touching,” Martin said.
When it comes to unexpected pregnancy, Martin said more education is needed.
“I don’t think there’s enough education about it, or what it takes to have a child and raise a child,” she said.
Martin, a former teen mother, said she relied on programs such as Angel Tree and school support for supplies, shoes, and coats. Her two oldest daughters are now grown, and she also has a 2-year-old child.
“I was 17 when I had her, and 18 with your second,” she said. “It was not the easiest. Neither of their dads was involved.”
She said her oldest child’s father eventually stepped in, and her own father also provided support.
“I had to learn to put my big girl pants on and deal with it. I worked my butt off to make something of myself,” Martin said.
Reflecting on her children’s accomplishments, Martin said one daughter has joined the older workforce and another earned scholarships to attend Radford University.
“It was a cycle between trying to get help from social services and trying to get help,” she said. “When you get ahead a little bit, they take benefits away from you, and it sets you back.”
Martin said those experiences motivate her to continue helping other mothers.
“It has really touched me. I want to help more than at Christmas time, throughout the year,” she said.
She noted that necessities such as diapers and groceries can be difficult for families to afford.
“For a small pack, it’s anywhere from $15, and a big box can be $50,” she said. “It can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.”
“There are services you can get — Medicaid helps with insurance, and EBT can help with food,” she said. “I think that is a big thing in the area that moms struggle with.”
Martin said she hopes to expand the organization’s reach in the future.
“I would definitely like to help more families for Christmas and be able to help each family more than we were able to this year,” she said. “I would love to be able to help families throughout the year with diapers. That was one of my biggest struggles as a teenager.”
“We would absolutely love to hear from mothers,” she said.
