Community Baby Shower

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and its Women's Initiative are seeking donated goods and requesting volunteer assistance for their 2nd Annual Community Baby Shower at The Lynn Museum on Wednesday, June 6th. In the spirit of a traditional baby shower, this event is designed to connect pregnant women and new/soon-to-be parents with maternal and early childhood health service resources as well as food, friendship, and gifts.

A caring adult's back and forth serve and return interactions - cooing or speaking, touching and making eye contact - begin building brain architecture from the moment a baby is born. As a young child grows, these interactions and experiences create connections that wire the brain for future success. They also lay the foundation for the next phase of learning - like reading and math - and lifetime of school success.

Last year's event assisted more than 60 Boston families with educational seminars, gently used items, local resource tables, family portraits, dinner, and games and prizes. Photos from the first Community Baby Shower can be seen HERE.

This year each expectant and new mother will take home a "goody bag" containing necessities and educational materials for the beginning of their journey into parenthood.

Below are four ways residents can get involved!

1. Give Virtually

No time to pick up items to donate? Don't worry. Helping is a click away with GiveSomeThing.

2. Host a Basics for Baby Drive

Host a drive at your company, church, or with friends and family to collect needed items. View Baby Items needed HERE.

3. Collect Items

If you don't have time to host a drive, you can still build a basket or drop off items to complete a basket. View Baby Items needed HERE.

4. Donate Gently Used Baby Clothes

Looking for a place to donate those clothes that just don't fit your little one anymore? Please donate gently used baby clothes for our baby boutique!

All completed baskets, items and donated baby clothes must be dropped off by May 29th. Please drop off your items at United Way's 51 Sleeper Street location, Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30pm.

5. Volunteer

Are you interested in making this year's Community Baby Shower shine? Conact United Way, they would love your help!

Please contact Lanita Tolentino at (617) 624-8110 or ltolentino@supportunitedway.org for additional information.