VPFW and Villa Exchange encourage local parents to donate spare formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, and menstrual supplies, or take what they need for their families during the drive at VPFW’s Koger Center office.
At Virginia Physicians for Women, we know that the struggle is very real for many of our patients, their families, and the families of central Virginia who have been dealing with a formula shortage and now face a menstrual product shortage. That’s why VPFW is partnering with Villa Exchange to hold a free formula, mama, and baby supplies drive at the VPFW Koger Center office in North Chesterfield from 3 to 6pm on Sunday, August 28. The event is open to the public.
Villa Exchange is a Facebook group managed by amazing moms who are connecting local families with the formula and supplies they need – for free. Villa held their first formula drive in Richmond on June 12, and it was greatly beneficial for local families struggling to find the formula they need to feed their babies. Villa is anticipating an even larger turnout at the drive at VPFW’s new Koger Center headquarters office near Chesterfield Towne Center. The stand-alone building is easy to find – right in front of Costco – and it has ample parking.
VPFW and Villa are encouraging families who have any spare supplies from the list below to drop them off at any of the six VPFW locations throughout greater Richmond and Prince George anytime through Thursday, Aug. 25, or during the drive on Sunday, August 28. If you are in search of any of the following supplies, please stop by the drive from 3 to 6pm and take whatever you need for your family.
Free Formula, Menstrual, and Baby Supplies Drive hosted by Virginia Physicians for Women and Villa Exchange Where: VPFW Koger Center office 1212 Koger Center Blvd (near Chesterfield Towne Center) When: Sunday, August 28, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Donate what you have, and/or take what you need! Open to the public.
Items we’re collecting and distributing:
You can drop off spare items from the list below at any VPFW location through Thursday, August 25, or during the drive on August 28.
- Formula (Should be unopened and not expired. Please check the lot number to make sure it is not listed on this recall list. )
- Breastfeeding supplies (pumps, pump parts, breastmilk storage bags)
- Bottles
- Diapers (packages may be opened!)
- Postpartum pads (packages may be opened!)
- Postpartum ice packs
- Menstrual supplies (packages may be opened!)
*Important note: We don’t encourage clearing the shelves of local stores during the shortages in order to purchase items to donate, as local families need access to those items. We do encourage anyone who has extra, unneeded supplies on hand to donate them to the drive for local families who need them.
Want to help but don’t have any supplies to donate?
You can always donate to Villa Exchange online to help with its ongoing mission to support families in need of formula or other mama and baby supplies.
Have a more urgent need?
If you need formula or other supplies sooner than August 28, please request to join the Villa Exchange Facebook group and post your request. If your request is not satisfied through the group, fill out this request form and they will do what they can to get you what you need.
RVA Formula Exchange is another Facebook group that’s helping to connect local families who need formula with families who have extra or know where to find it.
City of Richmond residents who are eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are encouraged to apply to receive a $125 formula gift card through Urban Baby Beginnings. The gift cards would benefit families in the program who may need to purchase formula at regular market price from stores that do not participate in WIC if they are not able to find formula at WIC participating stores. Fill out this form to apply for a formula gift card.
Need more formula, breastfeeding, or mental health resources for moms?
Dr. Cara Hartle, VPFW OB/GYN and new mom herself, recently put together a list of formula, breastfeeding, and mental health resources to help Richmond area moms find the support they need during these difficult times. Please take a look, and feel comfortable reaching out to your VPFW provider or phone nurses if you have any questions or need more guidance to find the resources you need. It truly takes a village, and VPFW is here to help!
To schedule an appointment with a VPFW provider, you can call us at 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.
