The Moses Basket

By Cassie Johnson

At any given time about 700 children are in foster or relative care within the twelve counties of western Kentucky. Often, placement within the foster system happens at the last minute. Foster parents may be overwhelmed without adequate time to prepare. Children arrive at their new foster homes with only the clothes they’re wearing - no toys, no special blankets, none of their possessions to give them any comfort. That’s when The Moses Basket steps in.

The Moses Basket (TMB) offers clothing, necessities, and supplies to the child’s receiving family. In addition, every child gets a basket full of age-appropriate items to help ease the anxieties associated with relocation.

Sisters Kristen Beck and Lacey Baker founded The Moses Basket in 2017. They were inspired by their dad’s story – he was placed into foster care from birth, until his adoption at the age of 13 months.

“It’s personal for us,” shares Beck. “His childhood path formed an integral part of the legacy he left for my sister and me. We would not be here if not for his parents taking a leap of faith and opening their home to a foster child.” With help from area social workers, the sisters developed their mission. The goal of TMB is to make the transition to a new home as smooth as possible for all hearts involved. Besides assisting with placement supplies, TMB is also a resource for special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and Christmas gifts.

“The first priority is to assist receiving families. The second objective is to offer a sense of normalcy to the children that find themselves in a new environment,” Beck told me. “Our prayer is regardless of whether it is a short or long-term arrangement; we can play a small part in helping weave your family together.”

How it Works

Upon notification of child placement, the receiving family can log into themosesbasket.com. The site is set up like an online store and is very user-friendly. The family fills out a wish list of age-appropriate items that are needed when the child arrives. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes.

After the wish list is received, TMB will verify every detail with the social worker. Once confirmed, preparation of each package with new to gently used items will begin. Because TMB runs entirely off donations, things on the list are always subject to availability. Within forty-eight hours of a social worker’s approval, a Moses Basket representative arranges for delivery of the items.

Since its launch, The Moses Basket has helped more than 800 children. At one time, they were only able to serve Marshall and McCracken counties. Thankfully, the organization and its support have grown, allowing TMB to assist families throughout western Kentucky.

Donations of clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, and other goods for newborns to teenagers are always needed. With so many styles, varieties, and sizes, teens receive gift cards to pick out their clothing. For many of them, it is the first time they’ve ever owned brand new clothes.

New OR Gently Used Items Accepted:

• Boys and girls clothing/shoe sizes, preemie through juniors

• Baby linens, such as receiving blankets, sleep sacks, burp cloths, bedding, etc.

• Backpacks and duffle bags

• Twin size sheet sets, comforters, and blankets

• Clean toys with no missing pieces

• Hardback or board books without writing in them

New ONLY

• Baby and kids personal hygiene items – toothbrush/toothpaste, toiletries, diapers, diaper cream, baby nail clippers, brushes/ combs, feminine hygiene, deodorant

• Undergarments (underwear, bras, socks)

• Bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups

• Small stuffed animals and plush toys

Things to Consider Before Donating

Ask yourself, “Would I want my child to wear or have this?” If the answer is no, don’t donate it. Please avoid items with text such as “I Love Mommy” or “Daddy’s Boy”, as these phrases can be hurtful to a child in foster care.

“Our goal is for the kids to feel proud and confident in the items they receive,” said Beck. “We strive to relieve stress during a time of uncertainty, not cause more stress by not providing quality items. Please make sure to check toys and clothing for stains, holes, and wear before donating.”

When picking up school supplies or Christmas gifts for your own family, consider buying a few extra items to donate. November is adoption awareness month, making it the perfect time to get your items in for a child who desperately needs comfort.

The Moses Basket is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Visit themosesbasket.com for drop-off locations, donations, or to request a basket.