The first five years of life are critical to a child’s physical and mental development. It’s during these earliest years that relationships and experiences create millions of pathways in kids’ brains, and that the lifelong learning, health and behaviors begin to take shape.
These are the foundation of the rest of a child’s life, so it’s critical that parents and caregivers have the resources, support and items they need to give their youngster the best possible start.
“It is important to … the health of the community,” said Ellen Montgomery, a CSU Pueblo nursing student. “You want to get resources out so people are living an optimal life.”
Montgomery, who plans to pursue a career in pediatrics and maternal care after finishing her degree this August, is facilitating the 12th annual Community Baby Shower. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 at Praise Assembly, 2000 Troy Ave.
A joint offering of the nursing school and the Pueblo Early Childhood Council, the shower gives parents, parents-to-be and caregivers of the community’s youngest residents a place to access services, information and critical items for free. The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment WIC program is among the groups slated to be on hand.
Sometimes, just knowing that there are people and organizations who care can make a difference in a parent’s or caregiver’s life, Montgomery said.
“We get different exhibitors and resources for the community; we get donations from the community,” Montgomery said.
Then, in true baby shower fashion, those resources, donations and items are distributed to families that need them.
“We have the resources out there to live a healthy lifestyle,” Montgomery said.
To help out, the nursing program is seeking donations such as:
- Diapers;
- Wipes;
- Bottles;
- Bath supplies;
- Toddler safety items such as outlet covers and cabinet clips;
- New and gently used toys;
- Educational items like school supplies, books and art supplies;
- New and gently used clothing; and
- Gift cards and monetary support.
Donations may be dropped through June 12 in boxes located on campus at the Center for Integrated Health and Human Inquiry and the Occhiato Student Center.
The baby shower is one of four public health-focused happenings powered by the students and staff of the department’s Global Public Health class this year.
If you go
Who: Colorado State University Pueblo School of Nursing and Pueblo Early Childhood Council
What: 12th annual Community Baby Shower
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14
Where: Praise Assembly, 2000 Troy Ave.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/548624643508151/ or [email protected]
How to help: Donations may be dropped through June 12 in the Center for Integrated Health and Human Inquiry or Occhiato Student Center on the Colorado State University Pueblo campus, 2200 Bonforte Blvd. Requested contributions include monetary donations, gift cards and items like diapers, wipes, bottles, bath supplies, outlet covers, cabinet clips, new and gently used toys, school supplies, books, art supplies, and new and gently used clothing.
