SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — 'I Got You Babe' is in its fifth year of helping out families in need in Reno County. The organization was founded by Hutchinson native, Morgan Turner.
Turner is collecting brand-new baby items to be donated to families in need. Unused diapers in opened packages will be accepted, as well. The drive will run through the month of November, and items can be dropped off at the Reno County Health Department.
"I did found 'I Got You Babe' in 2020, kind of the fall, early winter," Turner said. "Kind of right in the middle of COVID, and I just saw the need for some help in the community. Women with young children, with infants, they're really vulnerable population, and I just wanted to do something in our local community that would make a direct impact for them."
Turner said she received a lot of good feedback after the first year and will continue to do the drive for years to come.
"We had a really positive experience the first year, so I was able to gather quite a few donations and give those to the maternal child health program," Turner said. "When they distributed them, they just gave me such positive feedback from the mothers that were receiving these items and the nurses from the health department just had wonderful things to say, they were so thankful and I just saw that impact that it made and I wanted to continue that."
Turner is a second-year medical student, that doesn't have any children herself, but really enjoys helping others.
"I just have a passion for women's health in general, so that's kind of what inspired me to start this," Turner said.
There are several different ways to donate for the drive.
"The health department can actually take direct donations, you can drop things off there," Turner said. "There is a list of items that are most needed, which include diapers, wipes, sleep sacks are a big thing, we really want to encourage safe sleep habits. They can take items directly, or I accept cash and checks, as well as Venmo, just to go purchase those items in bulk I kind of wrap up the fundraiser."
Other items that are most needed include pacifiers and onesies.
If you wish to make a donation via Venmo, you can do so at @MorganTurner23. If you have any other questions regarding the fundraiser, you can reach Morgan at [email protected].
Although Turner doesn't have kids, this fundraiser means a lot to her.
"Not having children myself, I don't see how everything adds up," Turner said. "You walk through the store and you can see how expensive the baby items are and it really adds up for families."
Turner says spreading the word of the drive would mean a lot.
"Even if you're not able to donate, I'd ask that you just share the message," Turner said. "That's been the big thing is just promoting it. It started on social media, but I've reached out to a lot of people in the community this year to try and reach different groups that might want to help."
The Reno County Health Department is at 209 West 2nd Ave. in Hutchinson.