Is it really almost 2009? It seems like 2008 just flew by! We started the year off with our first MOMSCafe event featuring Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just A Pretty Face, in February. The event was well attended and helped spread the word about the need for a makeover in the personal care products industry. 

In March, a MOMS-organized toy-testing party was featured on a PBS Now special on phthalates. 

In August, our members were active in helping to pass the federal toxic toys legislation spearheaded by our friends at the Breast Cancer Fund. You attended rallies across the country, sent letters to congress--it worked!

We're currently working on a campaign against dollar stores. Our focus is the communication of lead recalls to dollar store consumers and the actions taken by dollar store merchants to 1)take proactive measures to prevent the sale of lead-tainted products in dollar stores and; 2) take responsibility for notifying customers of lead hazards.

We're looking for some volunteers to help us conduct some surveying in several cities across the country. If you live in San Francisco (or surrounding area), Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, or Philadelphia, we would be so grateful for your help in understanding how we can better protect dollar store consumers from harmful lead exposure. We will be rolling out the survey to other cities as time and resources permit. We'll be hosting an informational call on the Dollar store campaign in mid-January. Check the MOMS website in early January for more on the campaign. Send email to moms@safemilk.org  if you'd like to participate on the campaign call.

In this crazy economic environment, MOMS needs your help more than ever. As we evaluate our priorities for 2009, we want to make the most of the financial and staffing resources we have available. With only two part-time staff, we're limited in what we can accomplish and just want to make the greatest impact we can. Please take a minute to take this mini-survey to help us plan for the year ahead. As always, if you're able to support MOMS with a financial gift we would so appreciate it!! Thanks so much!