Dozens of expectant mothers were treated to a community baby shower Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Eufaula First Baptist Church.
About 50 mothers, some with toddlers in tow, some ready to give birth seemingly at any moment, attended the event, which was a drive through at the church.
In addition to the mothers and mothers to be there were proxies picking up packages for the moms-to-be and a few fathers.
About 75 people signed up for the event, but not everyone showed up.
“I think some forgot,” said Kim Woodruff, Executive Director of Under One Roof, organizer of the event. “If so, their packages are waiting for them and they can come back and pick them up.”
She said if someone didn’t sign up and needs some help, they can call 918-689-7505 or come by Under One Roof, 107 McKinley.
“We can try to put something together,” she said.
Items given away during the event included a wide assortment of items, including diapers, wipes, shampoo, body wash, lotion, burp cloths, wash cloths, towels, socks, combs, hair brushes and teething rings.
North Fork Baptist Church’s Women on a Mission made several tote bags and blankets, which they put inside the tote bags.
McAlester Youth Shelter provided a lot of receiving blankets made by a church in McAlester.
In times past the community showers were held at a school classroom and women of the Methodist Church would throw a baby shower, with prizes given away.
They gave away prizes this time, but the drive through replaced the party “But I think everyone enjoyed the drive through,” she said.
No decision has been made when the next community shower will be held, or if it will be another drive through.
One advantage of having the event in a classroom was the ability to have teachers talk to the expectant mothers and answer any questions they might have.
On the other hand, at the drive through a lot of valuable reading material was distributed.
“Many people made the event possible,” Woodruff said.
More than $5,000 was donated.
East Central Electric provided a $3,000 grant for diapers and Checotah Walmart donated $1,000.
Many church members donated cash.
Oklahoma Complete Health donated $500 for wipes.
McIntosh County Coalition members provided volunteers to help distribute the items.
The First Baptist Church allowed the use of its new drive-through facility.
