Our Mission
We believe that no infant in Shenandoah County should go hungry or lack the basic essentials to be comfortable.
And so, our mission is to provide formula, food, diapers and gently used clothing to young infants (newborn to 36 months) in times of need.
Our Vision
To supply help at no cost, and in a manner that will encourage people to return.
To treat everyone accessing our help with compassion, respect and without judgment.
To do what we can to support people and connect them with other helping agencies.
To be good stewards of the goods, time, money and help donated by
ensuring that those assisted are in need and
by keeping our costs to the minimum required to safeguard quality and professionalism.
Our Commitment
To remain focused on the smallest and the most vulnerable, infants at risk for long-term harm from inadequate nutrition; certain that they are never to blame for the crisis they are experiencing.
Our Dream
To grow with our children and to extend services to 48 months as our resources permit.
Overview
A Small Hand is an emergency food pantry for babies and toddlers, providing them with the basic items they need for a healthy start in life. We provide one week’s worth of food, formula and diapers for babies and toddlers between the ages of 0 and 36 months. We also provide clothing - much of it gently used - and basic items for infants (as outlined in the following pages) in order to meet their immediate needs and to help families stretch their limited income and better meet the future needs of their infants.
We have only three requirements of our clients:
1. They show evidence of participating in a federal supplemental feeding program in Shenandoah County (WIC or SNAP/Food Stamps); or have a special referral from the Shenandoah County Department of Social Services or the Shenandoah County Health Department (WIC Section).
2. They must schedule an appointment with us, to ensure that we have to hand what they need.
3. They must bring with them the infant receiving help.
Introduction
Welcome to A Small Hand. Thank you for giving your time to help infants in need. We want you to enjoy the hours you spend with us, certain that you are doing valuable work.
Our goal is to create a pleasurable environment for volunteers and families coming for help. We work hard to make sure that the items in our 'shop' are attractively presented and that everyone is treated in a friendly and respectful manner. We want families to leave saying what nice people they met, not hesitant to return and even looking forward to it.
We want to treat everyone fairly, and this is why we have established rules for what each infant is eligible to receive on each visit.
Who do we help?
Families receiving SNAP (Food Stamps) and families served by WIC. Confirmation of this comes in the form of a WIC folder or SNAP EBT card, or a referral note from Shenandoah County Department of Social Services or the Shenandoah County Health Department.
What are families given?
We are committed always to having formula, food, diapers and wet-wipes available; but precisely what clothing and other items we have will depend on the donations we receive.
Each infant receives:
1. Disposable Diapers
One package will diaper a baby for one week
Select the package that matches the age/weight of the infant.
2. Wet-Wipes
One pack of wet-wipes will last at least one week.
3. Formula (when appropriate)
One 24 oz can will feed a baby for one week.
We will attempt to maintain infants on their usual formula.
4. Food Box
We will attempt to maintain infants on their usual formula.
4. Food Box
A food box will feed an infant for one week.
We will be guided by WIC as to when and how to modify contents.
Baby Food Box (4-6 months)
1 box rice cereal
Infant Food Box (6-12 months)
22 jars of baby food
1 box rice cereal
Toddler Food Box (12-36 months)
1 box cereal
1 box saltine crackers
1 box macaroni and cheese
2 small / 1 large smooth peanut butter
2 cans vegetables
2 cans fruit
2 cans pork & beans
5. Selected donated new items
A Small Hand solicits donations of new items, and families are asked to take only items that they need - knowing that our stocks are limited and we have many families needing help.
These include, but are not limited to:
Rattle
Pacifier
Teether
Feeding bottles
Baby lotion
Baby wash/shampoo
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Breast feeding supplies
Blankets
Baby caps
Small Toys
Books
6. Gently-used clothing
Families are asked to take only items that they need - knowing that our stocks are limited and we have many families needing help. It is not reasonable that families will take clothing on every visit.
7. Gently-used baby items
These include, but are not limited to:
Blankets
Quilts
Diaper Bag
Towels
Toys
Baby equipment
EXTRAS
Please be careful to treat all families alike: we do not want to be accused of discrimination by giving extras to one person and not to another.
Furniture policies
We will be guided by WIC as to when and how to modify contents.
Baby Food Box (4-6 months)
1 box rice cereal
Infant Food Box (6-12 months)
22 jars of baby food
1 box rice cereal
Toddler Food Box (12-36 months)
1 box cereal
1 box saltine crackers
1 box macaroni and cheese
2 small / 1 large smooth peanut butter
2 cans vegetables
2 cans fruit
2 cans pork & beans
5. Selected donated new items
A Small Hand solicits donations of new items, and families are asked to take only items that they need - knowing that our stocks are limited and we have many families needing help.
These include, but are not limited to:
Rattle
Pacifier
Teether
Feeding bottles
Baby lotion
Baby wash/shampoo
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Breast feeding supplies
Blankets
Baby caps
Small Toys
Books
6. Gently-used clothing
Families are asked to take only items that they need - knowing that our stocks are limited and we have many families needing help. It is not reasonable that families will take clothing on every visit.
7. Gently-used baby items
These include, but are not limited to:
Blankets
Quilts
Diaper Bag
Towels
Toys
Baby equipment
EXTRAS
Please be careful to treat all families alike: we do not want to be accused of discrimination by giving extras to one person and not to another.
Furniture policies
To release our agency of any liabilities, A Small Hand does NOT distribute any furniture or car seats. We will not dispense strollers, highchairs, bassinets, bouncy seats, playpens, gates, potty chairs, snuglis, back pack carriers, used car seats or used cribs.
If these items are included in a donation, A Small Hand will in turn donate them to another agency that will distribute them to families in need. We will maintain a list of agencies carrying such items as a service to our families.
Articulating with other services
Information will be available about WIC, Medicaid, SNAP, Response, Shenandoah County Pregnancy Center, and local agencies able to offer expert health care, developmental, mental health and nutritional advice.
What can I do to help?
1. Volunteers are needed to assist families visiting A Small Hand
Volunteers welcome families.
A log sheet for each infant, showing what help is to be given.
Children are to be supervised by their parents, A Small Hand is not responsible for their safety.
We encourage mothers to bring small babies into the building in a car seat or stroller.
All volunteers are encouraged to spend time interacting with the children and babies while their parents are being assisted. We try to have books, toys and games available for one-on-one interaction. It is important to sanitize toys and furniture regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
As desired, volunteers can help clients find clothing.
When families are ready to leave, the volunteer ensures that the client has the necessary items and that the clothing has been removed from the hangers.
The volunteer will ensure that each client understands the requirements for a return visit before he/she leaves.
From time to time, volunteers will share verbal and/or printed information with clients regarding upcoming programs, special services, child development information, help available from other local agencies etc.
Volunteers are asked to restock the room as needed.
2. Volunteers are needed to prepare donated goods
Volunteers are needed to assemble baby, infant and toddler food boxes, and to repackage diapers.
Volunteers are needed to sort, hang, wash and repair donated items as needed.
3. Volunteers are needed to organize drives to collect goods
A major need is for people who can organize friends, family, co-workers, fellow church members to donate gently-used clothing and infant items.
Others volunteer organize drives, baby showers, mitten trees to collect new items for A Small Hand- formula, food, diapers, baby items.
4. Volunteers are needed to receive donations at A Small Hand
Donors are provided with a Donation Receipt, and a log is kept of all donations.
5. Gifts of Goods, Gifts of Money
Some families have gently used baby items that they are willing to donate to families in need, other people enjoy buying items that they know will help our infants.
The continuing operation of A Small Hand is also heavily dependent on the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations who provide the money that ensures the continuous availability of formula, food and diapers.
Checks should be made to Edinburg Christian Church, 210 Center Street, Edinburg, VA 22824-0117. MEMO: For A SMALL HAND.
OR to A SMALL HAND at the same address.
Edinburg Christian Church is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization.
Thank you for whatever help you can provide : whether you give your time, your goods, your money or your encouragement.
Information for on-site volunteers
General
Interested volunteers must complete a simple application and interview. Training is provided “on-the-job”.
Volunteers who interact with clients must be at least 18 years of age.
But there is plenty of work for responsible younger volunteers.
All volunteers should dress comfortably and casually.
All volunteers are encouraged to keep track of their hours; this is important when A Small Hand applies for grants.
Volunteers may also request a copy of their hours for the year for tax purposes.
Health and Safety
While problems with clients are very rare, volunteers that perceive a problem should report it. Instances that would require intervention may include suspected abuse (child and/or mom), verbally abusive clients or clients who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The police should be contacted in the case of an emergency.
Policies and Procedures
Smoking in the building is prohibited by clients and by volunteers.
Some work involves light lifting. A volunteer is not required to perform these duties if uncomfortable doing so. Please do not place yourself in jeopardy; there is always other work to do. Volunteers are not covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance and so should not place themselves at risk.
Volunteers are not allowed to transport clients and are strongly discouraged from personally offering cash or other assistance to clients.
A first aid kit is available on site for volunteers and families. Volunteers should avoid administering first aid to a client or another volunteer.
Volunteers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently. Hand sanitizers are available.
Volunteers should wear gloves and take appropriate precautions when cleaning up vomit and human waste.
Influenza
A Small Hand takes very seriously its responsibility to its volunteers and its clients. This includes the health and well-being of all. During flu season, extra precautions will be put in place to minimize the spread of communicable diseases. Volunteers should be aware of the following policies during flu season:
Volunteers will be provided with a work environment that promotes personal hygiene - tissues, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, etc.
Volunteers are encouraged to remain home when ill with influenza or influenza-like illnesses. This is extremely important to contain the spread of influenza.
Volunteers who are well but have an ill family member at home may work as usual.
Volunteers will be provided with up-to-date information on influenza and behaviors to minimize its spread.
Should the need arise for further policies to be activated; all volunteers will be informed.
Seasonal Procedures to be put in place during influenza season
Hand sanitizer will be placed at all client entrances/exits, in all offices and in all common areas.
Common areas will be disinfected several times daily, with extreme attention paid to areas touched by all who enter/exit the building (doorknobs, carts, doors, etc.).
All individual toys in the play area will be removed.
Staff and volunteers will wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer after waiting on each client.
Clients will be encouraged to keep their infants in the car seats/carriers in which they arrived.
Maintaining Accurate Records
A Small Hand maintains a computer database for storing and reporting information regarding clients and donors. Please take special care to be as accurate and detailed as possible when completing LOGS of what families are given and when processing donations.
Without this, we cannot reach our goal of accurate and transparent data for donors.
Maintaining Confidentiality
A vital part of volunteering at A Small Hand is the promise to keep confidential everything volunteers learn about people accessing our services, their circumstances, needs and difficulties.
What a volunteer learns is never to be discussed outside A Small Hand in a way that identifies a recipient of our services.
Unless a client gives specific consent, information will not be shared with another person or agency except in the case of a notifiable threat or suspected abuse.
Discipline
A Small Hand reserves the right to ask volunteers to stop participating if their actions are detrimental to the service provided to our clients or the operation of the organization.
Informal discussions may be used to ensure that volunteers know and follow rules and standards. These discussions will focus on clarifying expectations, providing appropriate training and development and coaching volunteers.
Separation from service may occur at any time without any disciplinary steps having been taken.
Volunteer's Rights and Responsibilities
Volunteers are viewed as a critically important resource. Volunteers shall be extended the right to be given meaningful assignments, the right to be treated fairly and with respect.
Donations
It is A Small Hand policy that personnel and volunteers are not allowed to take property or items donated to A Small Hand for their own use or to give to friends.
ALL VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ASKED TO SIGN A PLEDGE TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY, AND AN AGREEMENT TO NON-COVERAGE BY WORKER'S COMPENSATION
Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of A Small Hand not to engage in discrimination against anyone wishing to access its services, or to volunteer with it, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, ancestry, marital status or sexual orientation.
