TITLE
Recommendation to request Mayor and City Council to receive and file a report on the 2009 Community Baby Shower.
DISCUSSION
In the mid-1990's, as a Registered Nurse Practitioner, I started the "Community Baby Shower" to provide a "basic going-home newborn kit" for low-income mothers to use after they gave birth in our local hospitals. The "newborn kits" were used by the Public Health Nurses at the Department of Health and Human Services, as an incentive for expectant mothers who were in the process of completing a pre-natal care and educational program. This ensures a healthier outcome for their pregnancy.
The community was asked to participate and support the 2009 Community Baby Shower in several ways:
> Donation of items for the "new born kit" that included: diapers, diaper bag,
baby wipes, bibs, booties, socks, pajamas or gowns, blankets, shirts,
and infant hats.
> Financial contribution to Long Beach Cares towards the purchase of these
items.
> Help to assemble the newborn kits: Volunteers were invited to help assemble
the kits on Wednesday, May 20th at City of Long Beach Department of Health
and Human Services, 2525 Grand Avenue.
This year donors include: Target, Sam's Club, Kaiser Permanente, Long Beach Memorial, Friends of Long Beach Fire Fighters, Stitches from the Heart, Binky Patrol Postal Annex, Law Office of Sandra H. Castro, Soroptimist International of Long Beach, Campfire USA, Girl Scout Troop 2983, City Presbyterian Church, Long Beach Alliance Church, Long Beach Orange Ave. Senior Center Sewing Class, Quilters by the Sea, Students of Chapman University and numerous individuals.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILWOMAN GERRIE SCHIPSKE
FIFTH DISTRICT