Elizabeth Reynen Paro and Ashley Moon sorted through donations, anything from a baby carrier to shoes and kids clothes.
“We usually take all the bags out, well sort it by sizes and by gender,” Moon said.
“While were sorting and shopping the kids can play together in her backyard,” Paro said.
Paro said she runs New Moms Connect.
“Ive been running it since 2018 when my daughter who is six was 3 months old,” she said.
Through the group is how Paro met Moon.
“Were able to provide our clothing then to another child thats coming into that size and then we bring toys and books, diapers, formula,” Moon said.
Paro said she started the group after learning about it from another mom friend.
“They were doing clothing and toy exchanges for new moms in Boston,” she said. “When Ashley joined in 2020, she immediately said, anything that you need if you want to meet in my backyard.”
The group New Moms Connect and Meet Up South Florida has more than 5,000 members from Jupiter to Miami, although the meet ups are in Palm Beach County, they happen in Moons backyard.
“I found this village of moms that I never had before, Im going to cry now. Its such a great support,” Moon said. “You know Im a foster parent and youve taken three placements of kids. Who do you talk to? You run to your friends.”
Moon also runs a food pantry from her house.
“If you write me and say Im in need, I need food, well make sure you get food,”she said.
“Thats why a moms group is so important because, they will lift you up when you think you dont have anything left.”