VA Northern Indiana celebrates 5th Annual Baby Shower
This week VA Northern Indiana Health Care System (VANIHCS) held its 5th annual baby shower. 26 Veteran mothers and 28 babies were celebrated with a drive-thru baby shower at the Fort Wayne, Marion and Mishawaka locations.
Every year the VANIHCS Maternity Care Program, Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) and the Women’s Health Program work collaboratively to make this baby shower possible. Veterans utilizing the maternity care program are mailed a shower invitation and asked what large ticket item they would like on their wish list.
“We also request diaper sizes and sex of the infant. CDCE then assist with donor support. Moms don't know exactly what their getting until the shower occurs, so it's always nice to see the smiles and excitement,” said Kasandra Johnson, VANIHCS Women’s Health Program Manager.
Each mother received a large ticket item, like highchairs, car seats, pack ‘n plays or strollers. Moms also received a “mommy bag” filled with Mary Kay products, shampoo and conditioner, hygiene items, socks and blankets. Each baby was also gifted a diaper bag complete with diapers, wash, lotion pacifiers, toys, clothes, wipes and bottles.
“Our baby showers become more successful each year, and this is a direct outcome of the strong support we receive from our community partners,” said Natasha McClanahan, VANIHCS CDCE Specialist.
VANIHCS would like to thank Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary (AUX) State of Indiana, Allen County Council of Veterans, Get Wet for a Vet, Disabled American Veterans Post #40, Elks Lodge #155, American Legion Auxiliary, Soldiers Angels, VFW Auxiliary #857 and all donors for their generous donations and continued support for all of our Veterans.