71:17 Ministries’ Oh My Baby program offers starter kits to mothers of new babies who otherwise might not have adequate resources.
LAKELAND – Most teenagers have no problem thinking of gifts that they want for their birthday. However, when Lakeland teen Kelsey Elmhorst turned 17 years old, she realized that she had everything she needed. So instead of asking for gadgets or gift certificates, she decided to help someone who did not have everything they needed.
Kelsey says her mom, Kimberly Elmhorst, gave her an Impact Polk publication which helped her decide where her birthday money would go. Reading through the publication, Kelsey says, “I found something that spoke to me.” She discovered 71:17 Ministries and their “Oh My Baby” program which provides starter kits to help new mothers in financial need meet the basic necessities for their babies. Kelsey was able to collect enough birthday money to help meet the needs of one mother and her baby.
Thank you to Kelsey and the Elmhorst family for sharing your inspiring story!
71:17 Ministries’ Oh My Baby program also received funding by an Impact Polk grant through the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation.
About Impact Polk 2017
Impact Polk is an annual grant program of the GiveWell Community Foundation with the goal of addressing community needs throughout Polk County. Learn more about Impact Polk.
About Oh My Baby
Oh My Baby offers Starter Kits to mothers of new babies who otherwise might not have adequate resources. We want to help them care for their babies during the first two weeks of life. Learn more about Oh My Baby and 71:17 Ministries at www.71-17.org.