In today’s society we are seeing an increase in pregnancies and growing families. We are also living in an ever-changing economy that is hard on growing families and individuals. Green County Help, Hope, and Hands (extension group) and Green County Extension partnered with the Green River Early Childhood Collaborative to host the Annual Community Baby Shower. This was the first year that was partnered with the Green River Early Childhood Collaborative, and it will definitely not be the last.

The Annual Community Baby Shower is offered to expecting mothers and mothers with children 12 months old and they are each allotted one guest to attend with them. The 2025 baby shower hosted 26 mothers each have one-two guest with them, 11 homemaker volunteers, and 10 speakers from various businesses and organizations in the community. Those speakers included local FRYSC, Head Start, Community Action, Public Library, HANDS, Set Apart Pregnancy and Parenting Center, Adanta, Health Department WIC and Maternal Child Health Services, and God’s Wheel (mobile food pantry).

As mothers arrived at their tables they were welcomed with a goodie bag full of items provided by The Green River Early Childhood Collaborative. Some of these items included diapers, wipes, books, hygiene items, and more. Throughout the event mothers were given the opportunity to go “shop” in our warehouse for items such as clothing, handmade blankets, toys, pack and plays, car seats, strollers, and so much more! The speakers also had raffles that they provided for the winning mother. The CEA for FCS provided a folder full of information for the mothers ranging from “You are a New Parent” newsletter, medicine storage safety, breastfeeding tips, babies’ nutrition in the first year, ways to play with your baby, and so much more!

Mothers were given feedback cards at the end of the event to provide feedback for the event next year. We allowed both the mothers and the speakers from the organizations to fill out these cards so they we could improve on all fronts. A speaker gave the following feedback: “I really enjoy this event; it is one of my favorites! The turnout this year is AMAZING!  It’s a great way to provide and connect new/expecting mothers to resources in the community”. The following feedback is from the mothers, “It’s a wonderful way to get information and the gifts were deeply appreciated”, “ I want to say the baby shower was AMAZING in helping me in all the ways I needed and I’m very thankful!”