Do Some Summer Cleaning


So many people talk about spring-cleaning but if your house is anything like mine, your house is ready for another cleaning by summer. So, as you dig in to de-clutter, we've got a few ideas for how you can help save a life or two along the way. Have any old cell phones you no longer use lying in a drawer? Or what about leftover supplies, furniture or maternity clothes from the baby days? All of these things can help moms in need either right here in the U.S. or halfway around the world. Check out some of the below ideas for how to clean your house and help a mom.

  • Donate leftover baby supplies or household items through AFYA

When you left the hospital, did you come home with a bag full of “stuff” you “might” need like pads, gauze and the like? Are they still stashed somewhere? Or what about sheets in your closet you don’t use? You may not realize it, but these can be absolute gold for other women in childbirth around the world. Donate them to AFYA and these things will go to clinics in Liberia where they will live a second life—and maybe help save a life or two in the process. Learn more & read a blog on a recent "sorting party."

  • Sell your gently used baby and kids gear on reCrib

Is your home or storage space overflowing with cribs, strollers, high chairs, toys or furniture that your little ones no longer use? Check out reCrib, the online marketplace for the best, gently used baby and kids gear! Parents looking to declutter and recoup some of the costs of their children's gear can post listings for free. Those looking to purchase the must-have baby and kids gear can find the best brands at unbeatable prices. It's a win-win! reCrib also has a great blog, featuring fascinating interviews, tips, events, and more. Look for Christy on the reCrib blog soon. For every item listed with the affiliate code EMC SUMMER, reCrib will make a donation to Every Mother Counts. Learn more and read a blog from founder, Daniel Lehman on why you should get involved. 

  • Sell your old maternity and baby clothing through It's A Miracle 

Donate maternity clothes to It's A Miracle Maternity, a site that offers designer maternity, nursing and baby clothes that are new and gently used at up to 75% off! It's A Miracle Maternity is partner of Every Mother Counts, and for every purchase made, 5% of the total will go directly to Every Mother Counts. If you donate your designer maternity/nursing/baby clothes to It's A Miracle Maternity, 30% of the proceeds of sales from your clothing will also go directly to Every Mother Counts. Check out Christy’s blog post discussing her relationship with It's A Miracle’s founder, Samira Atash.

Have any old cell phones you no longer use lying in a drawer? Did you realize they could be lifelines for mothers around the world? One of our favorite partners, Hope Phones, can make that happen. Hope Phones collects used cell phones, recycles them, and uses the proceeds to purchase phones on the local market for health workers so that they can better do their jobs and reach more women. The phones we collect this summer will be going to support a program in Kenya, one of the hardest hit countries in terms of maternal health. Click here (pdf) for a prepaid shipping label or click here to learn more about Hope Phones.