KidVantage

Congregation Liaison: Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee 

Eastside Baby Corner is now KidVantage

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.

KidVantage 9th Annual Diaper Derby ~ May 5 – June 9, 2023

The Diaper Derby is a friendly “competition” to collect diapers and wipes to help meet the needs of young families in our communities!

Saint Andrew’s is once again participating in the KidVantage 9th Annual Diaper Derby.
The event runs from May 5 to June 9.

How the Derby Works:

• Points are attached to each set of donated diapers and wipes.
• Our horse’s name is DANDY ANDY.
• There are three ways to “compete” in this race and help keep these babies dry and healthy:
  • Bring diapers and wipes to the Corner of Blessing in the Narthex. The last of the diapers will be delivered to KidVantage no later than the June 9 deadline.
  • Use the Giving Catalog to buy diapers and wipes to be sent directly to KidVantage. Giving Catalog: https://gooddler.com/Wishlist/10467. In the Campaign Code field, enter DANDY ANDY or Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church.
  • Donate online at www.KidVantageNW.org/diaper-derby. In the Campaign Code field, enter DANDY ANDY or Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church

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.

“Pencils and Pants” Collection Drive – August 

Check back for information.