BOISE, Idaho — On Wednesday, June 19, you have the opportunity to empower families in the community.
The 13th Annual Community Baby Shower works to support five education-based nonprofits in the Treasure Valley. When you donate baby supplies at any Albertsons, you help fund programs like Baby Steps.
9-month-old Erik is full of personality. He and his mom, Molli Hayes, attend classes at Baby Steps every week. For them, the incentive based charity has become a second family.
"I was nervous at first because meeting new people I get a little bit anxious and especially being a single mom, some of these people have husbands and I don't have a husband or a boyfriend so I was really nervous and my grandmother took me an everybody here is so amazing," Hayes said.
The program's goal is to build resiliency through connections, according to Baby Steps Program Director Emily Cazier.
"They all get along and help each other. It's really sweet to see," Cazier said. "That's what we want--that even outside of this room they are able to meet in the community and help each other out."
Moms and Dads can take parenting classes and practice healthy behaviors to receive points. They can redeem the points for baby items in the boutique.
"I am able to get diapers and wipes and clothing. I can get shoes and socks and blankets and crib material. And I'm learning. It's pretty awesome," Hayes said.
Baby Steps is living up to its name by helping families in our community move forward by growing stronger--together.
"You give them a package of diapers and yeah, it's just some diapers, but that going to get them through the week so they can take their baby to a doctor's appointment and to the park, to the library," Cazier said. "They can help build that community for themselves."
If you'd like to donate to Community Baby Shower, you can do so at donation bins around the Treasure Valley , or use #IdahoBabies on social media.
