The unusual aspect of the success of last year's first ever 'Community Baby Shower' for the Treasure Valley is how close it came to not happening at all. It was a brand new idea championed by a then-pregnant Michelle Edmonds. Michelle really wanted to do it because being pregnant and having the means to buy necessities for her newborn motivated her to want to provide them for local mothers who might not have all those advantages.
But the concept behind a 'Community Baby Shower' was so new, nobody at first really had any idea what it would be like and they were hesitant to commit to it. Eventually, it was Michelle who personally persuaded Albertsons, Blue Cross of Idaho and the United Way to come on board. Thanks to their help, it was a tremendous success! So many baby products were donated by you, three local agencies that support young mothers got essentially a half year's worth of supplies!
The environment is a little different for this year's Community Baby Shower. Sponsors who got on board last year are very much on board again this year, but now it is the economy that's the potential 'wet blanket.' Many people in our community are struggling and simply cannot afford to donate.
What's unfortunate is that same economy is making the need greater than ever. Young moms doing their best to raise healthy, happy infants also struggle in an environment where high gas and food prices strain their budgets and employment opportunities are reduced.
Yet somehow, Michelle ... as she did last year ... finds a way. She dragged herself out of bed to make it to her first Albertsons store by 5am, and will keep going strong until 11 at night. She will greet people and thank them individually for their generous donations. She will appeal for donations on TV all through the day. She will do whatever it takes to help these young mothers on this Community Baby Shower Day, Wednesday, July 23rd, because to use a very bad pun, 'The Community Baby Shower' is Michelle's baby. Her willpower made the Community Baby Shower happen last year, and it will make it a tremendous success this year as well. As I write this, bins are filled to the brim across the Treasure Valley. I'm about to make a road trip to Albertsons myself.
Michelle would want me to make sure I thank all of you who are reading this who took a little of your time and hard-earned cash to donate. So 'Thank You!' But I would be remiss if I didn't thank Michelle Edmonds as well for her determination for a cause she started, has championed, and one will help so many deserving young families.
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