New parents supported through community baby shower

Hardin County residents with new or forthcoming additions to the family can find information and support at an upcoming event.

The Family Resource Centers for Hardin County Schools and Elizabethtown Independent Schools are hosting a community baby shower for expectant parents and parents of children younger than 1 from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 20 at Pritchard Community Center.

The event was brought back last year, said Janay Sutton, HCS coordinator for the family resource centers. Sutton said there is a great need for information disseminated at the event.

New parents can learn about the multitude of resources available in the community for them and their children, and the community is asked to donate items for the parents. Sutton said diapers, baby furniture, car seats and hygiene items are especially welcome.

There is no financial guideline for those wishing to attend, she said. All parents can benefit from the resources and the information available there, not just those with a financial need.

“There’s so many facets of raising a healthy child,” Sutton said.

Residents interested in donating items can take them to the Youth Service Center at North Hardin High School and the family resource centers at Panther Academy and Creekside, Lakewood, North Park, Vine Grove, New Highland, Lincoln Trail, Radcliff, G.C. Burkhead, Meadow View and Rineyville elementary schools.

Parents also can hear from guest speakers Robert Clayton and Stacey Vittitow about fatherhood and raising healthy babies.

Sutton said the community is fortunate to have so many organizations willing to help families.

“It’s just awesome to see the care and the support the agencies have for the members of the community,” she said.

Kelly Cantrall can be reached at (270) 505-1747 or kcantrall@thenewsenterprise.com.

Items needed as donations for the upcoming community baby shower are -

·        Diapers

·        Baby wipes

·        Pacifiers

·        Blankets

·        Towels

·        Clothing

·        Car Seats – manufacturer’s date must be less than five years old

·        Washcloths

·        Baby lotion

·        Baby soap

·        Baby hygiene items

·        Baby shampoo

·        Safety items

·        Baby furniture

·        Crib sheets

·        Changing pads

·        Bibs

·        Blankets

·        Bedding

·        Swings

·        Rocking chairs

·        Cribs

·        Strollers

·        High chairs

·        Bouncy seats

·        Pack n’ play

·        Toys

·        Health items