Congregation Liaison: Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee 
KidVantage was founded as Eastside Baby Corner (EBC) in 1990 because Karen Ridlon, a local pediatric nurse practitioner, became concerned about the large numbers of babies in her practice that began life without adequate food, clothing, beds or safety equipment. Her commitment to giving these children a stronger start grew from a idea and a few items gathered in her dining room, into an agency that in 2016 filled its 500,000th order of absolute essentials.
For 50 weeks each year, volunteers and staff at KidVantage collect community donations, purchase and distribute children’s and maternity items to families in collaboration with organizations helping families in our area. Case managers from partner agencies assess the needs of the family, request the items from KidVantage, pick up and deliver them to the family. Serving a broad area across King County that extends to the Cascade foothills and from south of Renton into south Snohomish County, KidVantageserves as a diaper bank, a clothing bank, and a food source for more than 800 kids each week. KidVantagepractices good stewardship of resources through smart purchasing in bulk, reliance on volunteers and in-kind donations. KidVantageis the major source of baby food, formula, diapers, cribs and car seats for eleven local food banks. In total, KidVantage works with over 50 area agencies to assist people in need.
Saint Andrew’s supports KidVantage with budgeted funds, volunteer events, and though gifts at Christmas (Love Tree).
Current Opportunities:
Monetary donations are always welcome. Make check payable to “Saint Andrew’s” and note “KidVantage” in the memo line.
Christmas in July 2024
Christmas is Coming Here! The Saint Andrew’s Family is celebrating Christmas early this year – in July. Because of the overwhelming need at two of our favorite children’s organizations, KidVantage and Lantern Hill, we’re collecting monetary donations, toys, and clothing.
In July, you will find a Christmas tree in the Narthex. Tags on the Christmas tree suggest what items are needed. Take a tag (or three or four or more) on Sunday and bring the items back the following week. You don’t have to wrap the gifts!
KidVantage 10th Annual Diaper Derby ~ May 3 – June 7, 2024
Thanks to all who donated diapers, wipes, and dollars!
Sound the Bugle Call to Post!
Saint Andrew’s Lutheran is once again participating in the KidVantage 10th Annual Diaper Derby. The event runs from May 3 to June 7. This is our 5th year “racing.”
In 2023, 37 participating companies and organizations collected more than 127,000 diapers for kids living in our community. This kept babies dry and healthy while also removing a serious barrier to stability for families. However, the need has been greater than what donations brought in so every diaper counts!
How the Derby Works:
- Points are attached to each diaper donated and for packages of wipes. The larger sizes (size 4 and up and well as pull-ups) are most needed.
- Each “race horse” is in a race with like-sized organizations so we aren’t competing against Microsoft or other mega-stallions. We have a chance to be the best in our class!
- You can bring your diapers and wipes to the Corner of Blessing at Saint Andrew’s or donate financially through the KidVantage website: https://kidvantagenw.org/diaper-derby/ under our “horse” name DANDY ANDY or Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church.
- The last of the diapers will be delivered to KidVantage no later than June 7 by members of the Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee.
Let’s help our struggling young families to not have to choose between feeding the family or buying diapers! For more information, contact Liz Rudolph.
THANK YOU for supporting KidVantage with generous donations throughout the year!
How donations help kids through KidVantage:
They will help provide new toys for birthdays (and in preparation for Christmas). High demand items last Christmas for holiday bags were legos, pokemon, squishmallows, board/card games, barbies, craft kits and cars.
Donations of new and gently used children’s clothing and shoes help all year round.
– High demand clothing items during the winter season were winter coats, hats, gloves, umbrellas
– Current high demand items:
• Boy’s clothing: size 12-14 (especially long sleeves/jackets)
• Children’s pants sizes 2T-14 (especially size 5 girls and size 14 boys)
• Boys shoes sizes 3Y and 11&12C
• Children raincoats