UPDATE: To support Montclair Moms of Color’s efforts, Venmo Aminah Toler at @MontclairMutualAid
Montclair moms Phadera Dunn and Shaviece Osborne wanted to create and support a village of moms in Montclair and the surrounding communities. Together, they founded Montclair Moms of Color (MMOC) in October 2019, with a goal of providing an inclusive, comfortable support system for moms of color. Dunn and Osborne were joined by members Aminah Toler, Kelly Moore and Stephanie Brantley-Thompson.
Fast forward to 2020, and the extreme circumstances and hardships many are facing due to COVID-19, and Montclair Moms of Color knew their mission was more important than ever.
To respond to more moms in need and expand their support, Montclair Moms of Color collaborated with Montclair Mutual Aid (MMA), a network of neighbors giving and receiving help for essential needs throughout Montclair.
Together, the two groups are helping to provide local families with much needed personal care items (such as diapers, wipes, sanitary napkins, laundry detergent, soap, toothpaste toilet paper, paper towels, deodorant) as well as gift cards.
Montclair Mutual Aid helped with a food drive, and the two groups worked were able to collect 15 boxes of food. And, through monetary donations, enough money was raised to purchase 25 ShopRite cards for $25 each, says Toler, MMOC member who serves as the liaison to Montclair Mutual Aid.
MMOC extends a special thank you to Kate Albright of MMA for donating her time to MMOC by soliciting donations and opening her home to serve as a drop off location for the food drive.
Today and Tuesday, Montclair Moms of Color will be distributing boxes from their first food drive. Another food giveaway will take place in the coming weeks.
Montclair Moms of Color invites you to help in supporting families in need by donating and/or volunteering. If you are a mom in need or if you want more information or wish to support Montclair Mons of Color, visit MMOC on Facebook or reach out by emailing MontclairMomsofColor@gmail.com.