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For parents of newborns like my wife and I, the news of the supply chain shortages have been very concerning. Finding empty shelves in stores across the country where you’d normally find dozens of options for infant formula can make you question a lot of things.

Every parent just wants their kid to be healthy as they grow. And for some children who are only fed through formula, these last few weeks have been scary. Counting up every can of powder or bottle of ready made formula to see how much you have left and hoping that your child doesn’t want to cluster feed or increase regular feeding amount faster than expected.

And then there’s parents who rely on very specific formula due to their child’s health concerns or what their insurance will cover. Or the parents who financially can’t afford to travel far distances to find what they need or even order online.

Needless to say these are unprecedented times. But we must #FeedOurBabies. We want them to grow into strong young men and women who will make something of themselves one day.

And you know how they say it takes a village to raise a child? Well that’s where my wife and I find ourselves right now. Connecting with our village and finding out about others who are in need. In the past week, while we were able to find what we needed for our son, we were also able to help 5 other families find what they need and even deliver or ship it to them.

So we’ve decided that we want to continue these efforts under the #CajitasDeAmor initiative where we worked alongside my mother and El Santuario church to donate items to those in need after tragic events.

At this time we’d like to gather information on those who are still in need. If you or someone you know is still looking to find infant formula of any kind, please contact us via email at iamunyc@gmail.com. Let us know where you are, what formula options you are looking for and roughly how much you need.

For those who would like to help with these efforts please also email us so we can keep you informed and reach out as we confirm needs.

Most importantly we ask that you pray for us and all families affected during this time.

Eli & Jackie at FedEx Ship Center in Port Morris, Bronx, NY

Bronx, NY | 12.8.18 - Today we were able to make our first shipment of school supplies to Escuela Primaria Alejandrina Ríos Benabe, Campo Sabana, Luquillo PR. We have been blessed with friendships and partnerships that have stepped up to donate materials, financially and their time to help pack the supplies with love. So far we have raised over $2000 across all efforts including the sales of our #SOMOSFAMILIA hoodies and T-shirts. 

We thank you for your support and continued prayers.  

We are looking to make a final delivery and trip to Puerto Rico in January 2019. If you wish to still order your hoodie for the holidays please visit our online store or stop by The Sanctuary Fellowship at 1469 St. Peter’s Ave., Bronx, NY 10461.  #UNYC

Bronx, NY - This time last year thousands of people were trying to figure out how to survive the aftermath of one of the most devestating natural disasters to occur on the island. Sadly, while thousands have lost their lives since, people in Puerto Rico are still struggling in areas all across the island to recover and gain access to some of life’s basic necessities.

In the fall of 2017, Puerto Rico suffered a massive and deadly hurricane that swept across and literally wiped out communities across La Isla del Encanto. Relatives, friends and any HUMAN being with a heart from around the globe were also impacted and moved to send aid anyway they could.

One local Bronx church, TSF Español El Santuario, decided they were not going to sit idly by or just “lift up prayers” for those in need, but their leaders got together and decided to give back. After all, many of their family members had been, and still are, directly affected and in need of basic necessities. With all the political nonsense delaying aid and the scandal-ridden donations by some of the nation’s largest organizations, the church planned to find a way to directly support and aid those in need. Through the common use of the US Postal Service and finding out the guidelines for shipping various types of goods, TSF Español began the #CajitasDeAmor initiative.

Collecting various donations from canned goods to toiletries, the church would gather donations weekly and sent nearly 50 boxes a week to families, schools and friends who made it their mission to find people on the island in desperate need. Through the support of the congregation, friends and local businesses, nearly 500 #CajitasDeAmor were shipped to Puerto Rico and also to Mexico where families were suffering from recent natural disasters as well.

One UNYC effort to support this initiative was the #SOMOSFAMILIA designed apparel, created to help raise funds for the items and shipping costs for the packages. #SOMOSFAMILIA (We are family) is the mantra/motto of the leadership at TSF Español where they explore what it means to be family. As a family we care for each other. We are not okay until all of our family is okay. The church encourages unity, community and love for everyone they encounter. It’s the idea that when you recognize another individual as family, then you treat them with a special kind of love, one that comes from God. With the support of graphic designer Alberto Lora, the #SOMOSFAMILIA tees and hoodie were sold at iamunyc.com and after services at TSF Español.

This fall/winter season, TSF Español has selected to adopt a school where 22 teachers support and lead the education of 205 students in Campo Sabana, Luquillo Puerto Rico. In support of the #CajitasDeAmor initiative, UNYC will be giving 100% of the proceeds from the #SOMOSFAMILIA shirts and hoodies to help order and send supplies to the school directly this Winter 2018/2019.

On average, $20 can help one student have the basic supplies he needs to get through his school day. Would you join us in supporting the education of these students in need? Visit our online store to order a shirt or hoodie today. You can also donate online at sanctuaryfellowship.org, click on the “GIVE’ tab and note #CajitasDeAmor. Thank you!

Hoodies above available for order online. Go to store section on site. Designed by Alberto Lora. 

We recently collaborated with the team at TSF Español El Santuario on the “#SOMOSFAMILIA” T-shirt. Portion of proceeds go towards shipping #CajitasdeAmor and to raise funds for TSF Español.

“At TSF Español we explore what it means to be family. As a family we care for each other. We are not okay until all of our family is okay.” #SOMOSFAMILIA is a phrase/mantra that TSF Español aims to follow as they minister to their congregation and their community.

With your purchase of a T-shirt, UNYC will donate a percentage to help with costs of #CajitasdeAmor and towards helping TSF Español with other special projects.

Order your shirt today at our store.

We are family! #SomosFamilia #UNYC #tsfesp

Check out our LIMITED run of UNYC Hoodies. Your purchase will help with shipping costs of "Cajitas de Amor / Little Boxes of Love" directly to families in Puerto Rico. Donations packaged by The Sanctuary Fellowship and TSF Espanol.

(Various colors available.)