The proof is in this story, in which a slate of local businesses came together to give Elizabeth Rainey, mother of 2-week-old Emma, a dependable car and a $50 gas card.

Rainey, a Mountain Home Montana resident, said, “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

I hope all of Missoula will join me in thanking Jerry’s Transmission and especially manager Chris Kuntz, the Automotive Clinic, Southside Auto, Big Sky Tire and Fast Trip.

And because I know many more Missoulians are aching to join these guys in supporting Mountain Home Montana, I’ll again point out the fact that Mountain Home’s Festival of Trees continues with a dinner and live auction at the Doubletree Hotel tonight, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 at the door.

But if you can’t make it tonight, there’s Teddy Bear Tea at the Doubletree tomorrow, on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon.

- MM

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I’m playing catch-up again, hoping to get ’round to posting about all the interesting news articles I’ve been reading lately. Since it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen, I’ll just post a few of the more interesting, recent articles.

First, the good news: More Missoula schools met No Child Left Behind Act standards last go-around.

Then, the bad news: This will come as no surprise to anyone who has looked for child care in this state, but “Montana’s child care system has serious flaws.” This story, I believe, is the result of state bureau reporter Jennifer McKee’s recent search for day-care stories.

And don’t miss this story about Mountain Home in Missoula. It’s a lovely, heartbreaking, hopeful glimpse into the lives of some young local mothers struggling to build a better life for their children and themselves. If you’re moved enough to want to take action, note that Mountain Home is currently looking for volunteers to serve as board members.

- Missoula Mom

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The Missoulian has the story of Mountain Home Baby Boutique on today’s front page.

Mountain Home in Missoula is a place that supports teen moms during one of the most trying times of their lives. It gets a lot of donations in the form of baby clothes and accoutrements, so a boutique selling gentle used baby stuff really just makes sense. And really, isn’t most baby stuff gently used? The little sprouts grow out of everything so quickly.

It’s a particularly important time for Mountain Home to be raising a little extra money, given that it’s planning on building some new transitional housing for its young mothers.

The new shop is at 105 S. Third St. W. if you want to check it out. It’s open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some Saturdays. Call 541-4663 for more info.

- Missoula Mom

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