In late 1995, the Cantu’s couldn’t bear seeing teenage mom living out of her car in a nearby parking lot. They bought diapers and baby formula and gave them to the struggling mother – along with the knowledge that no matter how it might seem at times, there were still people out there who cared. Soon, another struggling girl knocked on their door, followed by someone else just down on her luck. This instinctive generosity to one young girl had snowballed into a private charity run out of their home. This was the birth of Mother’s Hands.
When the project outgrew their house, Nancy’s family took matters into their own hands. Her oldest daughter, Christina, then a student at Olathe East High School, convinced the Principal to open up the school building to the charity. Not only was it big enough to store donated items, but it was a safe, clean, well-known place that those in need could easily find. The added space allowed them to expand their operation to assist the working poor.
Word soon got around about Mother’s Hands, and people from all over the KC metro area began showing up every week to select from the items in inventory. Mother’s Hands receives donations from all over the KC area. Some are private donations from estates or your average neighbor cleaning out their closet. Other donations come from local businesses looking to help their fellow community members.
In the 2009-2010 school year, Mother’s Hands helped more than 200 families including over 550 children. Last Christmas, Mother’s Hands provided meal packages to families who made $800 or less per month. They were also able to provide holiday gifts (averaging $75) to more than 100 children who would otherwise not have received gifts.
Mother’s Hands knows that no matter how many families they help out with diapers or groceries or winter coats, those things are just a short-term fix. They also know that sometimes a helping hand is all some families need to get them back on their feet again.