During a phone conversation with my Mom the other day, she sadly told me that the charitable organization she works with that provides handmade baby items to area hospitals is temporarily shutting down. WHY??? was my astonished response. This particular organization is doing such an incredible work providing needed items for so many families with babies in intensive care units and families with multiples, why would they suspend their work??
It turns out, there was a poorly written and hastily passed law that goes into effect in February that has charitable organizations such as my Mom’s who provide handmade items for children shutting down until they get further clarification on how it impacts them. It also has all the small toy manufacturers in an uproar. The law was intended to provide regulations for large toy manufacturers to hopefully prevent a repeat of all the issues we had coming from China in the past year. However, the wording of the law is so vague that it could be interpreted to apply to ALL items made by ALL people that are intended for children. The testing that this law requires is so expensive that it has the potential to shut down many reputable, trust-worthy small toy shops as well as charitable organizations who are providing precious handmade items for free to families who desperately need the help.
PLEASE, take a moment and check out these links, and then write letters to your senators and congressmen. I wrote both of my senators using the forms on their websites. It took me less than 15 minutes. I value the ability to purchase handmade items from small shops, not to mention being able to make things of my own to give to the children I love. If left unchanged, this law could have disastrous results, limiting our options to the giant manufacturers. Please act now before it’s too late!
It’s also going to affect thrift stores which is where I get ALL our stuff. I heard yesterday though that it’s not going to be as bad as previously thought. ??
Those stacking rings are AWESOME!
Thank you Marla! 🙂 From what I’ve heard, they made a few minor changes to it in the last week or so in order to not affect the thrift stores. That had been a big concern as well, so it looks like they are safe now. But no changes have been made yet concerning small manufacturers and handmade items.
Isn’t it the craziest thing? So frustrating whenever I think about such a stupid law.
But those rings are adorable!
Thank you, Michelle 🙂 It’s scary to think they could write a law and *poof* there goes a little bit of freedom to have a small business!
I have been following this matter recently, but until today had not taken the time to actually write my representatives. I thought it sounded too terrible to be true, especially before the recent clarification when it appeared all re-selling of children’s items (yard sales, consignment shops & sales, thrift stores, etc.) would be excluded. I am all for keeping our children safe, but am greatly concerned by the way our freedoms are being chipped away. Today after reading your entry and another one on the same subject, I finally set the time aside and wrote my senators and congresswoman, as well as signing the petition. Let’s keep praying for our nation, especially in this next year!
Thanks for doing your part, Bessers! And thanks for the reminder that we need to pray!