Local moms join to clothe the needy

Local moms join to clothe the needy - News - HesperiaStar.com - Hesperia, CA

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  By L.J. Gambone, Hesperia Star

  
  Posted Nov. 16, 2015 at 2:03 PM
  Updated Nov 16, 2015 at 2:08 PM 
  
  
  

  What started out to be a small clothing swap between a group of local moms turned into a giant labor of love benefitting the entire community. In 2010, Adelanto residents Lisa and Joshua Anderson, along with Apple Valley resident Denise Fetzer, decided to form the 501(c)(3) charity Swapping Mamas in an effort to clothe the needy.

  
  According to Lisa, her volunteer-run organization distributes clothing, shoes, blankets and other necessities year-round. It distributes the items through periodic swapping events, which often feature fun activities for the entire family.

  “Before we became an official organization, a bunch of us moms would meet and swap clothing,” said Anderson. “The idea to form the charity took off from there because we realized how great the need is for our less fortunate families in the High Desert.

  “We began to grow quickly and continue to expand.”

  Anderson said Swapping Mamas holds its free swaps at Los Ranchos Mobile Home Park in Apple Valley. The next one will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m. Saturday at 29683 Waalew Road.

  The organization’s website, www.palpetlover.wix.com/swappingmamas, lists various private homes in the High Desert accepting used items for the swap.

  In addition, residents can set up a time with Swapping Mamas to have their clothing and other donations picked up.

  “Now that’s it’s turned colder, we want to make sure people in need have warm clothing for themselves and their kids,” said Anderson. “We still need lots of children’s clothes and shoes, as well as stuff for men. For some reason, we never have enough for the guys.”

  Along with its swaps, Swapping Mamas also holds an annual toy drive at the holidays. Anderson said parents must sign up their children in advance. This year, 300 youngsters will receive gifts at a special presentation on Dec. 13. The event, which also is open to the public, will take place in the parking lot of Richardson Park, 11400 Air Expressway, Adelanto.

  Residents are invited to come out and enjoy activities, such as face painting, visits with Santa Claus and entertainment. Anderson said free food will also be available for all attendees.

  “The mayor of Adelanto is going to be there and we also will be having some skateboarders from the adjacent skate park,” said Anderson. “It’s going to be a fun time for all, I’m sure.”

  For those who wish to donate a new, unwrapped toy to the toy drive, the following is a list of drop-off locations:

  On the Go Audio

  15807 Bear Valley Road, Hesperia

  Pharmacy Boardshop

  11774 Hesperia Road, Suite 1, Hesperia

  Deluxe Auto Sports Shop

  12180 Ridgecrest Road, #132, Victorville

  High Desert Community Foundation

  16000 Apple Valley Road, C3, Apple Valley

  Rock Springs Retirement Community

  20594 Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley

  Victor Bowl

  12277 Mariposa Road, Victorville

  KFRG Radio

  11920 Hesperia Road, Hesperia

  Ballpark Self Storage

  16488 Adelanto Road, Adelanto

  Adelanto City Hall

  11600 Air Expressway, Adelanto

  Midway Home Solutions

  14444 Atstar Drive, Victorville

  For more information about Swapping Mamas, call 760-530-9451 or 760-587-8777.