Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 held its fourth annual military baby shower March 11 for 20 military families using the Elks National Foundation Spotlight and Gratitude grants, totaling $5,500. These funds were used to purchase gifts for the military mothers from their baby registries. More than $500 worth of diapers, wipes and other items were donated by members. Blue Star Families of Jacksonville provided books and several toys for each family. The USO, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and Fleet and Family Support Center were in attendance to share what services they offer military families. Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services therapist Rae Montgomery shared about their services and gave each mother a copy of “Advance My Baby,” written by two FECTS therapists, to help monitor their child’s growth and development. Volunteers Carmel and Karen provided fresh fruits and pasta salad, and Brent Reedy with Cooler Bear Heat & Air provided subs from Jersey Mike's Subs. After lunch, members played games with the moms, which had great prizes, and there were raffle drawings from Blue Star Families and the USO. The lodge provided a new highchair for a door prize. Each mom chose two sets of homemade bibs and burp cloths made and donated by Francis Fowler and baby blankets made by Deborah Reedy. The moms and families were overjoyed when they went to the room with all of their gifts. One mother expecting twins cried and said that she didn’t have nearby family here and having the shower and gifts meant so much to her!
Pictured are mothers looking at blankets and bibs.