Missouri River Relief has teamed up with First Chance for Children to make river and trail outings easier for families with small kids. Through First Chance’s “Lend & Learn Library” in Columbia, families can now check out one of five child carriers donated by River Relief, KRCG reported on June 30.
The carriers — Osprey Poco Child Carriers, built with a double-halo harness, front-facing arm loops, breathable mesh, a padded seat and a built-in sunshade — fit kids between 16 and 40 pounds who can sit upright on their own. Families can borrow one for one to two weeks at a time, with a one-week renewal if nobody else has it on hold, no purchase required.
It’s a small program, but a practical one for anyone hauling a toddler down the Katy Trail toward Rocheport or out to Cooper’s Landing — the kind of gear that’s expensive to buy for a few hikes a year and easy to borrow instead. First Chance for Children is based in Columbia; River Relief’s donation extends a program built for exactly this stretch of river and trail. The carriers are free to borrow for Boone County families with kids under five — see River Relief’s program page for eligibility and sign-up details.