MANSFIELD — An afternoon of games, door prizes, refreshments and more awaits the community on Oct. 17.
That’s the date for the Richland County Community Baby Shower, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Join the Community Health Access Project, along with many other vendors for this inclusive event at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 890 W. 4th St. in Mansfield.
The Richland County Community Baby Shower is for pregnant mothers or new parents with babies under the age of 3 months old in Richland County.
Many different organizations that support pregnant women and children in the community will set up information tables, with some even distributing supplies.
Vendors for this event will include but are not limited to Richland Newhope, OhioHealth, The Domestic Violence Shelter, Buckeye Health Plan, Mansfield Richland County Public Library, and many more.
Ashley Leadingham, who works with the Community Health Access Project (CHAP), said its a great place to discover community services.
“There will be translation services available courtesy of Third Street Family Health Services for families who do not use English as their first language if needed,” Leadingham said.
Some of the supplies attendees can expect include a diaper bag with diapers and wipes inside, a onesie decorating station, Passport to Resources game — a chance to win a raffle prize, and more.
The list of prizes include a Fisher-Price baby chair sit-me-up floor seat, a case of diapers and gift card, two “variety of baby items” gift baskets, and a Mompush Wiz 2-in-1 convertible baby stroller with bassinet mode.
The door prize winners will be announced throughout the event.
Lunch will also be provided by The Food Tour. The meal will consist of pulled pork sandwiches, cheese potatoes and green beans.
Leadingham said that while CHAP has participated in previous community baby showers, this is the first year coordinating it.
“This community event has historically taken place during the month of October in honor of Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month,” Leadingham said.
While CHAP is coordinating the event there are many different representatives from other organizations that have helped collaborate to make this event perfect.
“Planning meetings have been held several times to get input from all the participating vendors on what they would like to see and their preferred event date, time and location,” Leadingham said.
“The goal of this event is to provide an opportunity for pregnant mothers and new parents to get information on support and resources that are available to them in our community.
“We also hope to provide a few basic necessities that some families may not already have such as diapers and wipes.”
While registration is not required for this event, it is highly encouraged. This is so that all the vendors can ensure they will have enough items for the attendees to take home.
People who pre-register will also be entered for a chance to win a door prize.
Registration can be done through this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/richland-county-community-baby-shower-tickets-996514921957