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. Parents serving in the armed forces or dealing with unemployment often find it impossible to prepare for a baby. For these little ones, there will be no baby shower, no welcoming gifts, and no celebration.
In the spirit of the first annual Soroptimist International of the Americas Day of Service, March 4, 2006, Soroptimist International of Fidalgo Island hosted a Community Baby Shower to ease the burden on new mothers and provide basic items that could give babies a great start. Items collected at the Anacortes Food Pavilion included 46 packages of diapers, 53 cans of formula, 170 baby food items such as cereal, applesauce and juice, and 80 packs of baby wipes and toiletry items. Over $350 in cash contributions allowed us to buy even more formula and food that was distributed to our local food banks and prenatal care clinic. A donated rocking chair and table went to the Island Hospital Birthing Center. And finally, over 900 articles of clothing, blankets and layette items were collected and distributed to the Samish tribe and “Tubs for Kids” which provides clothing to displaced foster children.
Our thanks to the wonderful staff of Food Pavilion, the Anacortes American for their fabulous coverage of the event, and of course, to the generous people of Anacortes who give so much.
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