Smart Woman: Friends Helping Out

<b>Big Hearts with a Big Goal:</b> In 1983, six members of Immaculata high's class of '49 decided to help out local food pantries to feed starving babies until the federal programs were up and

Thursday, October 21st 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Big Hearts with a Big Goal: In 1983, six members of Immaculata high's class of '49 decided to help out local food pantries to feed starving babies until the federal programs were up and running. Sixteen years later, these women continue to provide needy babies with the nourishment they need to grow and a few extras such as clothing, blankets and booties.

These women wanted to help malnourished babies and make a difference. They gathered funds to purchase baby formula by contacting their local churches, family members and friends. They didnâ€™t intend on doing this as a continuous job, but many people were interested in helping. Thus started Infants Need To Find Adequate Nourishment Today (INFANT). What was intended to be a short-term solution has become a long-term blessing to many young women and babies.

The women who started INFANT were recently invited to a church-sponsored lunch where they were presented with a photograph of three healthy, young men over six feet tall. Had it not been for this group of friends and their compassion to help others, these men say they may not have grown up with the food and supplies they needed.

What Is Needed To Start A Charity?

Interest in supporting a good cause.

Ask friends, family members, churches and community groups like the Girl Scouts for assistance.

Each person contributes where they can. (Example: church printing off flyers and family members crocheting blankets).

Get a 501C3 tax status and get incorporated as a state charity.

Get people to donate books and videos.

Get students involved.