Instead of birthday gifts this year, two women in Lafayette asked their friends to buy baby items.
The request is not because either of them is expecting, but to help others who are. The ladies are now hoping to encourage others to do the same.
“I really have everything I need. There are some people who don’t have basic necessities and needs. I felt like that’s what I wanted to do,” Julie Esta said.
Julie Esta celebrates her birthday every year with family and friends. She asked everyone to purchase anything a baby could use. All the items, she will then donate to “a pregnancy center and clinic.”
“It makes me happy. I’m very fortunate to be here because my mom did choose life, despite any medical conditions, she did have,” Esta said.
Patrice Lewis who is the Executive Director of the center and clinic says she is grateful for such a kind gesture.
“We serve many, many families every year. Some of our clients can’t afford diapers, can’t afford wipes, can’t afford formula. We are here to give them a hand up instead of a handout, and to let them know that the support is here to help them in one of the most crucial times of their lives when they can’t properly take care of their babies,” Lewis said.
Everything in the closet comes from outside donations.
“We’ve been doing this for 33 years, so it’s really rewarding to see some of our babies that are 12 years old and some of our babies that are 20 years old. To know that we helped get them to where they are, and to know that they can be successful. For someone to donate their birthday, means a whole lot to our clients,” Lewis said.
Esta and her friend were also able to give a $300 donation to the center along with physical donations.
If you or anyone else you know is pregnant and in a crisis, you can find information to the centerhere.
