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Community Baby Shower Set for March 3
On Saturday, March 3, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, area Soroptimist clubs will be hosting Community Baby Showers to meet the needs of those babies arriving to families who have not been able to prepare for them.
Community members are invited to bring new and gently used, unwrapped baby items in the main lobbies of Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Skyline Hospital in White Salmon and Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles. Soroptimist members will be on hand to accept your donations, offer treats and a chance to win a door prize. Receipts for donations are also available.
Too often the joy that should accompany the birth of a new baby is marred by poverty, violence, or abuse. Sometimes a woman has fled domestic violence, which usually accelerates during pregnancy or after the birth of a newborn. Sometimes a baby is born drug-affected and comes into immediate foster care. Other times poverty has made it impossible to prepare for a baby. For these little ones, there will be no baby shower, no welcoming gifts, and no celebration.
"We want to encourage people here to become involved in helping these newest members of our community," said Barbara Young of Soroptimist International of Hood River. "These innocent babies deserve to have their basic needs met. With a little help from everyone, we could ease the burden on new mothers and provide basic items that could give babies a great start." Donated gifts will be delivered to New Parent Services in Hood River, Families First in The Dalles, and Families and Children's Services in White Salmon.
Suggest items include bath towels, wash cloths, soap, lotion or shampoo, thermometers, infant tooth brushes, receiving blankets, socks and onesies, disposable diapers (all sizes needed), and sock or wrist rattles for infants. Baby toys are also needed: stacking rings, nesting cups/toys, sensory and board books, shape sorters, blocks, and large piece/first puzzles.
"Any of these items would be greatly appreciated. They would truly make a new baby and mother feel warmth and care from the community," said Young.
In addition to baby items, monetary donations are also welcome. Checks may be made to Soroptimist International of Hood River and brought to any of the showers or mailed to POB 51, Hood River, OR, 97031. Refreshments will be served at each site. Those who contribute will be entered into a drawing for fun and useful door prizes.
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