Dr. Siobhan D. Kirksey, Women Veteran Program Manager and Rosalind Gray, VA Voluntary Service Specialist invited MD Chapter Gold Star Maryland Chapter, Inc. members to volunteer at their annual Baby shower for expectant moms. Donna Robinson and Janice Chance represented the MD Chapter. Dr. Kirksey and her team were supported by Voluntary Services and Public Relations. Requested Baby Shower items and monetary gifts were donated by several Veteran Service Organizations, Sororities, individuals, and other community partners. The Maryland Chapter donated a variety of the requested gift items that included diapers, baby bath essentials, bathtubs, bibs, and other items. Mission BBQ provided lunch, beverages, and desserts.
Approximately 25 expectant mothers registered to attend the shower, but a few moms of the moms were unable to attend as planned. However, it was still a great turnout. Most of the moms were accompanied by a guest or the father of their baby. Dr. Kirksey led several games, and the volunteers gave out the prizes.
Donna and Janice served alongside members of the American Legion Posts 22,130, 170 and the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. The volunteers assisted with set up, decorations, serving lunch, games, distributing the baby shower gifts and other duties.
The staff and volunteers seized the opportunity to interact with the moms and their guest. There was much laughter and excitement in the room. Each mom received a diaper bag filled with baby shower items and received other special gifts. The moms, dads and guests expressed their appreciation.
A Chanel 11 News reporter was invited by Rosalia Scalia, Public Affairs Specialist to do a story about the Baby Shower. He interviewed Ms. Catherine Staropoli, Women’s Health Director, one of the expectant moms and recorded a portion of the shower. There were also representatives from a few organizations that provided special resource materials to the moms. The shower was a huge success. The mothers left with a smile on their faces and plenty of baby shower gifts.
