Supporting the ‘underserved’

Mothers of Malverne partner with the Malverne Library

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For more than 40 years, the Mothers of Malverne have helped connect local mothers in the village to share the experiences of motherhood. As the coronavirus pandemic has persisted, the MOMs sought to use it as an opportunity to show people that they are much more than mothers who schedule play dates.

The group has spent more time in recent months focusing on community work and supporting local charities such as Bethany House, a nonprofit that aids homeless families in Nassau County, helping to collect clothes and other items once a month.

“We just want to find ways to raise awareness about our group,” said MOMs board member Jeannine Correa. “We want to let people know that we’re around and that we’re doing whatever we can to give back.”

As has been the case with many organizations, Correa said, the pandemic has been challenging for the group. Members usually host an annual Christmas party, but this year it was canceled. Instead, the mothers decided to take up a charitable cause by selling coffee mugs, wine tumblers and protective masks. The group raised $200, and donated it to the Friends of the Malverne Public Library.

“We had a few ideas on where to donate the money,” Correa said, “but we decided to go with the library because we feel like it’s a very underserved and unknown place to give money to. You always think of places like a soup kitchen. Most moms take their kids to the library, so it’s kind of worked out really well.”

Correa said that the support from the community was unexpected, considering the struggles that may have had this year. “I feel like everybody has kind of been getting antsy and have looked for ways to connect to the community,” she said. “Even if it’s something so simple, such as purchasing memorabilia, that’s a way to connect with others in these times, because we don’t really have much else.”

It was clear to MOMs how much the library means to the village. The group held its first meeting there in 1978, which was attended by 17 mothers.

“The Malverne Library is very happy to be in partnership with the Mothers of Malverne,” said Library Director Carol Lagos. “Their goal, much like ours, is to provide opportunities for children and families to explore, connect and learn.”

“We are very grateful for the support and generosity of the Mothers of Malverne, who do so much to assist the Malverne community,” said Children’s Librarian Antoinette Levine. “We really appreciate their generous donation to the Friends of the Malverne Public Library, who help fund our library programming.”

MOMs hope to plan an arts and craft program for children in January or February, to benefit a local charity.