In support of the women who come to Refugio Belen, Rotarians from Iowa began a program to provide each of the mothers with a layette bag for their babies before they return home. These Rotary layette bags contain about $40 worth (at wholesale cost) of baby supplies.

The mothers are taught hygiene (of which they have no concept), how the child should be breast fed (to provide immunity from diseases) and encouraged to provide vaccinations for their babies.

These layettes are life savers and we never have enough to meet the demand. We can always use help in providing more of these on a continuing basis.

The list of items in the layette bags is:

• One dozen cloth diapers
• 3 T-shirts (not onesies)
• 2 Bath towels (not plush)
• 2 Hand towels
• 2 Wash clothes
• 3 Receiving blankets
• Diaper pins
• Baby nail clippers
• Baby soap & shampoo
• Diaper rash ointment
• Cotton balls
• Comb and brush (for mom)
• Small manicure set (for mom)

Note: The clothes diapers are now being made by the students in the sewing school at Betania and should be purchased from them. The diapers will be added to the layettes when they reach Nicaragua. This way we are also supporting the efforts of the Betania Trade School.

FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, OINTMENT, SHAMPOO,BABY SOAP AND ALL LIQUIDS MUST BE IN ZIP-LOCK BAGS.

For information on how your clubs or church group can help, please contact:

Steve Thorpe – Waterloo, Iowa
Home: (319) 984-9139
Office: (319) 433-0414