Pictured are the CHHQC women who put the diaper bags together. Sue Ann Obremski, baby shower co-chair, is in the front row on the left, and Karen Baker, baby shower co-chair, is in the front row center.
CHHQC women packing the baby shower items
Connie Vaughan
Preparations are underway by the Caring Hearts and Hands of Quail Creek (CHHQC) to deliver a “Star Spangled Babies” baby shower to military families of the 162nd Air National Guard on National Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21. Tradition runs deep in the military, and the same can be said for Quail Creek residents’ commitment to providing baby showers for our military families and their newborn patriots over the past 10 years.
This year’s theme is Noah’s Ark. Working in conjunction with Operation Homefront, the residents of Quail Creek and the surrounding Green Valley communities and businesses continue to be generous in their giving and commitment to an annual baby shower for 25 to 30 new babies. “CHHQC works year-round creating a baby shower theme, buying materials that match the theme, cutting and sewing the baby diaper bag to hold all the handmade items, and making the mother’s bag, all done with love,” says Sue Ann Obremski, co-chair of CHHQC. Over 1,400 handmade items will be made this year.
It really does take a village, or a valley, to pull this effort off. Green Valley residents donate new baby clothes and new blankets, along with cash donations. The Quilting Covey of Quail Creek makes individual patriotic baby quilts. Other Quail Creek residents use their talents to crochet red, white, and blue baby hats and booties, along with crocheted and knitted blankets. White Elephant in Green Valley donates all gently used baby clothes and baby items (highchairs, swings, changing tables, and car carriers) they receive as donations to CHHQC. Then the volunteers get busy washing, sorting, folding clothes, and cleaning the baby items. Local stores in Green Valley and Tucson offer sizable discounts for the items that need to be purchased. Every expectant mother receives a new baby stroller, and the American Legion Madera Post 131 obtained a $5,000 grant from Finance of America Cares to fund the stroller purchases. Additional donations from our merchant community allow our “volunteer shoppers” to purchase other new items for our baby shower raffle, such as Pack ‘n Plays, travel cribs, strollers, swings, walkers, and baby monitors. The moms love getting free raffle tickets for playing baby shower games and a chance to win these prizes. The Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona also donates thousands of diapers each year.
“CHHQC is a compassionate and caring club of 54 members strong who have taken on the mission to assist and support disadvantaged military families. Giving back and social responsibility are ingrained in the club culture, with a commitment to making a positive difference. And the thank you note and baby pictures from Amanda, one of last year’s baby shower recipients, illustrates how important these events are for the moms and their military families,” states Karen Baker, the other co-chair of CHHQC.
The motto of the CHHQC is “Help Us to Help Others,” and once again, we are asking for community help and support with donations of new baby clothes (3-12 months) and new baby blankets (36-inch square). Crocheted and knitted blankets are always appreciated, as well as cash and gift certificate donations. Donations can be dropped off at the following four locations: Quail Creek Madera Clubhouse (2055 E. Quail Crossing Blvd., Green Valley), Quail Creek residences (475 N. Keyes Road and 531 N. Keyes Road), and American Legion Madera Post 131 (249 W. Esperanza Blvd., Green Valley, located in the Green Valley Village). If you have any questions, email [email protected].