Dave and Cherry Newman of Salem, Oregon, are avid garage sale shoppers. The couple scours garage sales looking for “treasures” to donate to New Beginnings Baby Boutique, a ministry that exists to show God’s love to young single mothers through the One Treasure Church. Over 2,000 women have been served in the community since the baby focused ministry began seven-years-ago.
Dave is a bus driver for the Salem-Keizer school district and Cherry volunteers in her daughter Mrs. Rodin’s 4th grade classroom at Pringle Elementary. “We go out just about every weekend,” said Cherry. “We look for clothes and find things that young mothers need.” At some sales they hit the baby gear jackpot and the couple goes home to unload and then they head back out.
“We just feel that this is what the Lord has called us to do. I am not good at talking to people, or a lot of those kinds of things. But I can look for bargains, make sure things are in good shape and wash baby clothes,” Cherry said. “We spend about $50 a weekend, and we get a big load of stuff,” Cherry said. “People are generous. When they find out why we are doing it many times they will say, ‘take this, and take this.”
The boutique provides necessary items for women and their children at no cost. A cute boutique set- up with diapers, cribs, strollers and clothing in newborn sizes up to 8 years allows mothers to ‘shop’ for free. It’s not just material things that the ministry provides. It’s emotional support as well. “We want to show these young mothers dignity and respect and honor them and grow along with them as beautiful women,” said Susan Smith, Executive Director of the New Beginnings Baby Boutique.
Dave and Cherry make a big difference in the boutique, and not just with donations. “They are engaged in the ministry,” said Smith. “We appreciate what they bring, beyond the material donations. They walk alongside these women spiritually. They are so positive and so loving and they know what to get us. It is so significant to our ministry. We could use more volunteers like Dave and Cherry. Their generosity makes a huge impact.”
Baby Boutique is about compassion. “I have seen big changes in many women’s lives. Our doors have been open for seven years and this will be a generation turned around,” said Smith. “Our women come from difficult backgrounds, and with so much baggage from their past. It is a radical change and these women are doing so well.”
Changes like the young women with two children under the age of three, who continued her education at Chemeketa Community College. “This young woman came to us two years ago, now she is 18 and has a child with physical issues. She can lean on us for clothing and we were able to give her an affordable safe car. She is just an amazing woman,” said Smith. “She has straight A’s and is making a big difference in her life. She has really stepped up to the challenge. She might not have been able to make the changes in her life without the boutique helping to clothe her children and to help her out.”
The ministry’s goal is to continue to serve more woman and children. “We want to see the lives of these women and children dramatically changed for the glory of God,” said Smith. The boutique does not fundraise or run on grants. The ministry is focused on donations and people like Cherry and Dave who believe in giving.
Dave and Cherry Newman did Good Today!
Do you know a Good volunteer or have a good story to tell? Email us at storyideas@whodidgoodtoday.com
Want more information about New Beginnings Baby Boutique?
Visit www.onetreasure.org
Interested in helping out or know someone who could benefit from the New Beginnings Baby Boutique?
Donation needs and drop-off hours Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Phone: 503.485.0595
Address: 1490 5th St NE, Salem, OR 97301 – on the corner of 5th and Shipping one block north of main church campus. Please come to the side door on Shipping St.
Current Needs: There is an urgent need for boys and girl’s clothes, sizes 0- to 8 years old. Boy and girl socks, sizes 1 through 8 and lots of diapers.
Additional items needed are:
Baby bath towels Waterproof lap/crib pads Children’s size clothes 3 – 8 yrs Any baby item, such as potty chairs, cribs, play-n-pacs, front packs, crib sheets, etc. Intake Appointments Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
To schedule an interview to shop please call: 503.485.0595 (Spanish speaking interview available). A personal shopper will help pick out needed baby items. After a child grows out of their size, mothers are welcome to return to shop for a new size.
Way to go, Dave and Cherry!