Get to Know Us
Our founders, two nurses working in the field of public health, noticed first-hand how more and more families are struggling to acquire the basic necessities of life in today's economy. A new baby puts an added strain on already limited resources and many babies lack appropriate items of clothing and blankets to stay warm and thrive during their crucial first year of life. Learn More...
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What Can I Do
We are participating in the Amazon Smile program. This means that you can
support Gently Hugged just by shopping at Amazon for things that you normally
buy. Simply click the button above to go to Amazon.com and start shopping.
Thanks for your support!
We collect gently used or new infant clothing in sizes preemie to 12 months to distribute to needy babies in the San Diego area. Learn More...
We have several donation bins located thoughout the city. Find a donation bin near you,
Generous donations of time are also appreciated. We have volunteer opportunities available. Learn More...
Click here for information about additional drop off locations.
News
2021 Second Quarter Newsletter
So much gratitude goes to the nearly 100 volunteers who play a part in implementing every task required to supply over 60 babies every month with clothing, blankets and other essentials for the first year. And, this number does not include [continue reading] ...
2021 First Quarter Newsletter
Things seem to be looking up! Regarding pandemic restrictions, we are grateful to be moving in a positive direction and blessed to have many of our cherished volunteers fully vaccinated. Gently Hugged looks forward to [continue reading] ...
2020 Fourth Quarter Newsletter
Before beginning the New Year, we passed through a season that is for all time centered on being grateful and completing acts of charity for others. During that time, Gently Hugged was showered with helpful and inspiring acts of [continue reading] ...
2020 Third Quarter Newsletter
With your partnership, Gently Hugged has clothed and provided blankets and other essential items for the first year to 481 newborns so far in 2020, while coping with the challenges and restrictions of the ongoing pandemic. Thank you for your dedication and willingness to [continue reading] ...
2020 Second Quarter Newsletter
As the challenging times continue, Gently Hugged is grateful to be back in a limited capacity to help the growing number of babies in need. The community has responded so that clothing donations and handmade items are flowing in. Our dedicated [continue reading] ...
2019 4th Quarter Newsletter
We continue to appreciate our community of faithful supporters. Each of you is vital in helping Gently Hugged make a significant impact in the lives of local newborns at risk. Thank you.
Year-to-Date Results for 2019
- Pounds of donated usable clothing: 8351
- Number of blankets (not handmade): 1681
- Number of handmade items contributed: 7241
- Number of babies provided with sufficient clothing for their first year: 810
Happy Holidays
Blessings to you and your families this holiday season. Once again we thank you for your continued support of our mission to help clothe needy babies in San Diego County. Because of you, 775 vulnerable newborns were provided essentials for the first year, a 14% increase from last year in the number of babies clothed.
2019 3rd Quarter Newsletter
11/6/2019
Year-to-Date Results for 2019
- Pounds of donated usable clothing: 6,418
- Number of blankets (not handmade): 1,354
- Number of handmade items contributed: 5,347
- Number of babies clothed for their first year: 593
2019 2nd Quarter Newsletter
8/17/2019
Year-to-Date Results for 2019
- Pounds of donated usable clothing: 4,389
- Number of blankets (not handmade): 913
- Number of handmade items contributed: 3853
- Number of babies clothed for their first year: 393
4th Quarter Newsletter
1/31/2019 We continue to appreciate our community of faithful supporters. Each of you is vital in helping Gently Hugged make a significant impact in the lives of local newborns at risk. Thank you.
Year-to-Date Results for 2018
- Pounds of donated usable clothing: 8,095
- Number of blankets (not handmade): 2,508
- Number of handmade items contributed: 6,441
- Number of babies provided with sufficient clothing for their first year: 701
Happy Holidays!
12/5/2018 Because of your compassionate help, Gently Hugged will finish the year having provided 678 babies in need with clean clothing, warm blankets, a fresh new book, and other essentials keep them cozy and secure for their entire first year. During 2018, the numbers of Gently Hugged collection bin locations, distribution sites, and volunteers have increased to meet a growing need.
Your caring contribution will make a real and lasting impact on the lives of families who are unable to provide even the basic necessities for their newborn child.
August Update
8/8/2018 A typical dip in clothing donations during the summer months did not occur this year! Although temps have been sweltering, our Gently Hugged volunteers are keeping up the pace. Faithful volunteers collect items from bins, sort, launder, fold, and pack the bags. Crafters continue to create handmade essentials to add an extra dose of love, before other helpers deliver the eye-catching bags to social workers and nurses for distribution. As a result, during the months of June and July, 133 newborns that would otherwise go without, were provided clothing and other basic items to sustain them for their first year.
June Update
5/31/2018 On Sunday, May 20, Gently Hugged collaborated with Tomorrow's Heroes Today for a Super Hero Kid Fun Run to benefit Gently Hugged. The event was sold out with 100 little runners ages 2-7 wearing red superhero capes that were each handmade by one of our crafters. Spiderman made a live appearance to run and pose with the kids, Hullabaloo provided live music and dancing, and several local businesses sponsored booths with enlightening activities for the attendees. A highlight was our amazing and multi-talented emcee Philip Victor Ongert who kept the fun going all morning.
Gently Hugged has been awarded the GuideStar Gold participant award
for its dedication to transparency in all aspects of its operations.
Visit www.guidestar.org
and search for Gently Hugged to get the most up-to-date information.
