For the last 18 years, Assistance League of the Chesapeake has been helping under-served new and expecting young mothers get off to a good start. Over those years, our members have donated diapers, strollers, car seats, clothing, formula, bottles and other essentials to local nonprofits that help these young women. Our program, which began as the Stork’s Nest Baby Shower, is now called Showers of Love, and this year our donations benefited the Family Support Center in Annapolis, Md.

The Family Support Center empowers families to become self-sufficient through personal achievement, education and positive parenting. They serve expectant parents and legal guardians of children ages 0 to 3. The center provides infant care classes, baby items, support groups and home visits. Rhonda Wilson, in-home services and family advocate at the center spoke at our baby shower, explaining the mission of her nonprofit and sharing their success stories. Rhonda is shown below with Assistance League of the Chesapeake’s president, Cindy Whittle.

Our members donated over $5,000 in much-needed baby supplies. The items will be used to stock the Baby Boutique at the center, where women are rewarded with items of their choice upon completing prenatal classes. Additionally, the donated items will help sustain the In-Home Program, which delivers essential baby supplies to families facing challenges.

ALC member Mary Jane Samwell led this year’s effort. She researched local nonprofits whose mission fit within our Showers of Love program. Our Assistance League chapter will continue to support area young women and their babies, filling an important need in our community.