Hope Unlimited: Baby Bottle Campaign

By Cassie Johnson

Hope Unlimited Family Care Center has been helping parents and families since 1989. An important source of funding for the Center comes from donations made through their annual Baby Bottle Campaign which has been held for more than 20 years. In a normal year, Hope Unlimited distributes approximately 3,000 baby bottles to dozens of churches in our area and the congregations fill the baby bottles with cash donations. Sadly, because of the pandemic, Hope Unlimited has been unable to distribute physical baby bottles, and last year’s campaign fell far short of the funds needed.

“In 2020, we raised about half of what we normally would,” explained Autumn Rathman, creative director at Hope Unlimited. “This was due to less in-person services at our local churches and less public awareness of this annual campaign. We did the best we could, and got very creative, making our Baby Bottle Campaign virtual.”

Although our community is still dealing with the pandemic, Hope Unlimited is not letting it stop them from going full force with their 2021 Baby Bottle Campaign. This year they will be distributing baby bottles as requested, but will also have the option to give online. The funds raised will go toward the Learn to Earn and Student Development programs. It will also support the Prenatal Care Clinic at Hope Unlimited. Clients from McCracken, Massac, and surrounding counties depend on the services they receive there.

“Our Baby Bottle Campaign helps to keep our programs moving forward so we can empower the families in our community,” said Rathman. “Whether that’s the young couple seeking education so that they can be confident parents or a single woman with an unplanned pregnancy that needs the extra support and love. They can do this! We are here to walk that journey with our clients.”

Hope Unlimited offers free and confidential services to the community. On average, around 550 parents are seen each year and around 200 pregnancy tests are conducted. Their Learn to Earn Program offers a variety of classes and bible studies. Their Prenatal Care Clinic offers prenatal care from pregnancy tests through postpartum. There is also a thrift store that is open for the clients and the public at both locations.

Hope Unlimited does not receive federal funding. Their doors stay open because of the many businesses, churches, and individuals who give them support. Donating is easy! Visit the website at hopeunlimitedfcc.org and click on Donate in the upper right-hand corner. You can also text BABY to 270.398.9995. Checks can be mailed to Hope Unlimited Family Care Center, 1101 Jefferson Street, Paducah, KY 42001.

You can also support Hope Unlimited by donating diapers, wipes, formula, and hygiene supplies for the entire family at the Hope Unlimited office at 1101 Jefferson Street in Paducah or 305 Lincoln Street in Metropolis. For more information, visit hopeunlimitedfcc. org or their Facebook page, Hopeunlimitedfcc. 

The goal for 2021 is to raise $45,000 and the Community Foundation of West

Kentucky will match funds that Hope Unlimited raises during the Baby Bottle Campaign (up to $10,000) through the Fred Paxton Challenge for Charities.