PREPARES-Mary’s Little Tots Shop

“Mother of All Children” © Rebecca Gorzynska 2019 Delphinaroseart.com

Mary’s Little Tots Shop  

Open 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the Month 10:00am – 12:00pm In Camerman Hall (Church Basement)

Welcome to OLSOS PREPARES – Mary’s Little Tots Shop Pregnancy and Parenting Support!
PREPARES is a parish-based ministry started in 2014 by the Bishops of Washington State. It provides pregnant mothers, fathers and their families our church’s promise of support and care from pregnancy through the child’s fifth birthday. “We want to make sure that no child – born or unborn – is ever abandoned or alone. We want to make sure that every mother whether she is in a small rural town or a large city…has caring people around her walking those critical first five years of her child’s life. “

— Bishop Joseph Tyson Cornerstone Conference 2014.

 

“All of us must care for life; cherish life with tenderness and warmth. Caring for life from the beginning to the end…what a simple thing, what a beautiful thing. Go forth and don’t be discouraged. Care for life. It’s worth it!”

 

— Pope Francis

Our Mission Statement

PREPARES is a hand’s up ministry to serve ALL in need of items for babies and children in our parish and community. At Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bremerton, via our Mary’s Little Tots Shop, it is our desire is to instill a cooperative exchange community of gently used or new items to help those who could use it and to help new or struggling parents in need of support.   For those needing additional support, know you are not alone. Caring, trained companions are available for both moms and dads who could use a friend. We will walk with you on your parenting journey from the moment you said, “Yes” to life and through your child’s sixth birthday. You can come to the parish office and fill out a form seeking assistance or come to our shop. Someone from our team will contact you to see how we can help your situation.  

Questions & Answers

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATIONS?

Mary’s Little Tots Shop is in Camerman Hall (the church basement). Our hours and days of operation is open every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm(noon). We are closed during holidays, and during snow events. On rare occasions, we may be closed if there is a funeral but will do our best to inform you via OLSOS weekly bulletin.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
We know raising a family can be difficult both financially and emotionally. We are grateful you said, “Yes” to life. As Catholics, we are pro-life! We don’t just believe that, we walk our talk. We want to give you the help to succeed with the support you need. Sometimes it takes a village to raise a child. You are not alone.

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.

-Psalm 127:3-5

IS TRAINING REQUIRED?
Yes. Training is required to volunteer working at Mary’s Little Tot’s Shop or to volunteer as a PREPARES Family Companion. Since we are working with children and their families, all volunteers must have a criminal background check. All interested in companioning must go through Virtus Safe Environment and PREPARES Companion Training (approx. three hours total).
DO I HAVE TO BE THERE EVERY TUESDAY, AND HOW MANY HOURS DO I WORK EACH MONTH?
No, but we do ask that you make a commitment to work whichever Tuesday(s) of the month you have chosen. Of course, we realize life happens and we are all busy. We just respectfully ask that you give us a courtesy call if you are unable to volunteer so we can find someone to cover your shift. All volunteers commit to a three-hour shift. If you choose to work more than one Tuesday a month the hours will increase based on your commitment. Shifts are also somewhat flexible based on an individual’s availability. The coordinator will work with you if you are unable to work a three-hour shift to accommodate your schedule as possible. To change your plans once schedules have been emailed, call or email the PREPARES Coordinator (phone calls or texts preferred). ____________________ Contact Christine Daniel: (360) 204-3352 |  tcdaniel@protonmail.com
WHAT KIND OF VOLUNTEER SUPPORT DOES PREPARES AND MARY'S LITTLE TOTS SHOP NEED?
Our volunteer opportunities include the following:

  • Organizing a baby shower
  • Being part of a Motherhood or Fatherhood Support Group
  • Donating to a PREPARES Mary’s Little Tot’s Shop
  • Help to collect, sort and inventory donated items
  • Being a shopper for new items
  • Helping to set-up, break down and work Mary’s Little Tots Shop
  • Assisting parents who visit our store
  • Marketing and office support
  • Supporting a diaper or donation drive
  • Assembling PREPARES Bags with essential childhood items
  • Walking/Companioning with first time or struggling parents
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN THIS LIFE-GIVING MINISTRY?
Please contact the PREPARES Parish Coordinator, Christine Daniel to serve in this ministry. Christine Daniel: (360) 204-3352 | tcdaniel@protonmail.com

Would You Like to Donate to Mary’s Little Tots Shop?

Please click the button to help contribute to this Ministry! Select “Prepares/Mary’s Little Tots Shop” in the Fund tab. Thank you!
Donate today!