Yesterday Alison and I had the honor and pleasure of delivering to the Pregnancy Resource Center of Metro Richmond the bounty of gifts donated by our friends at our Royal Baby Shower Benefit.
Delighting in opening and sorting the gifts to make for easy transport and storage, we were overcome with the amazing generosity of our posse. Hidden in the baskets and cute bags you see above were
815 diapers 80 “onesies” 36 electrical plug protectors 29 packages of diaper wipes 25 receiving blankets 21 baby wash cloths 17 burp cloths 16 baby booties 14 sleep sacks or infant outfits 9 bibs 9 bottles of liquid baby soap 8 tubes of diaper ointment 6 baby bath towels 6 feeding spoons 5 maternity tops 5 teethers 5 crib sheets 3 “welcome baby” gift baskets with assorted products 2 pacifiers 2 containers of Vaseline 1 maternity dress 1 Cuddly Animals book 1 Fisher Price “Rock a Stack” toy 1 rattle 1 rubber ducky for the tub with hot water safety alert A “2013” tote bag 1 St. James’s Children’s Center ceramic cross
The monetary value of these items is substantial, but the generosity displayed by our guests was
Priceless!
We couldn’t resist showing you some of the adorable clothing items and baby blankets.
After warmly thanking us for this special delivery, Kim Warburton, Executive Director of the PRC, gave us a tour of the facility (we happened to arrive while clients were not there). Two comments struck us as she talked.
Many of our clients do not have the support system of women that many of us depend on to get us through a crisis. At the PRC we provide listening ears and a loving environment for them.
Safely tucked away in my West End cocoon, I do not understand much of the community served by the PRC and was dumb-struck that there are women out there without a posse! Friends, do not take for granted the love and support of your posse.
The other comment Kim made was directed toward how our donation of baby items are used. She said the items are not given to clients right off the bat. Rather, the counselors get to know the clients and their needs and make sure the clients return for support services (pre-natal care, parenting classes and moms’ support groups) to help themselves. Their mission is to bless each client with a “hand up” not a “hand out.”
To our honoree, the Duchess of Cambridge,
The Duchess going to the Queen’s 60th Coronation Ceremony, photo taken on Wednesday, June 5 by a friend-of-a-friend serendipitously in the right place at the right time!
we wish you a continued healthy pregnancy and crisis-free delivery. To the fabulous ladies who attended our Benefit Baby Shower, we give thanks for your friendship and generosity of spirit. You have provided some beautiful blessings to RVA mothers in need and their precious cargo.
Never underestimate the power of a posse.
June 7, 2013
p.s. 
If you haven’t yet done so, please enter our Royal Baby Pool. Enter your guess as to when the Duchess will deliver and whether the new bundle of joy will be a prince or princess for a chance to win this Lilly Pulitzer Murfette scarf. No purchase necessary.