‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’: Floyd Baby and Toddler Shop is in need of volunteers

Floyd’s CHIP Baby and Toddler Shop is an all-volunteer baby and toddler supplies store for local families with low-income. Families with children aged newborn to 5T are invited to shop the store’s inventory for free once each month. 

A product of New River Community Action and its CHIP (Children’s Health Improvement Partnership) program, which requires free enrollment to receive assistance with diapers, other common needs, and professional support, the Floyd Baby and Toddler Shop requires no enrollment and fills “a massive gap” for families who might not be able to travel to Radford, Christiansburg, or Blacksburg for necessities.

“If a family qualifies for Medicaid or other income-based supports, they qualify to shop here,” said Tamara Slife, who started managing and revitalizing the shop in September. She also coordinates volunteers, which she said is one of the “toughest” parts of running the shop.

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“... We’re 100% volunteer-run,” Slife said. “When volunteers can’t make it, we can’t open. That can cause frustration for families that rely on us. Coordinating schedules, processing donations, and keeping the space stocked and organized is a big lift for a tiny volunteer team.” She added that the Baby Shop experience is “meant to be simple, respectful, and accessible.”

Seeing families “breathe a little easier” is a significant motivator for volunteers, Slife said, in addition to “hearing toddlers squeal over a “new-to-them” toy or book.” She said that the shop is “more than a room full of clothes — it’s a community safety net, a place of dignity, kindness, and connection.”

The community can support the Baby and Toddler Shop in a number of ways:

• Donate items that parents always need for young children, including diapers, wipes, baby soap/shampoo, diaper cream, gently used clothing, strollers, baby carriers, high chairs, and other items
• Volunteer for a weekly two-hour shift 
• Make a monetary donation
• Spread the word, especially to families who might benefit from the Floyd Baby and Toddler Shop

“Donations go straight into the hands of local families, no middleman, no fees, no barriers,” Slife said. She added that “the more volunteers and donations we have, the more families we can serve consistently.”

While open hours depend on volunteer availability, the Floyd CHIP Baby and Toddler Shop strives to be open from 1-3 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays; from 1-2:30 p.m. on Thursdays; and from 10 a.m. until noon on Fridays at the Floyd New River Community Action office (located at 120 Epperly Mill Rd. SW).

To learn specific needs of the Floyd CHIP Baby Shop and inquire about current hours, follow “Floyd CHIP Baby Shop” on Facebook. With questions, or for more information, reach out to the Floyd County CHIP team by calling (540) 745-2211.