Military Families Look Forward to Annual Baby Shower

Diane Gordon

There is a lot of work behind the scenes to prepare for The Women of Quail Creek’s Military Baby Shower. Karen Baker, the committee chair, along with Sue Ann Obremski, Kathi Kreig, Noreen Melchert, and about 22 volunteers, begin work ten months before the actual event. The major work is cutting, sewing, and knitting items for the babies and parents. Fabric is purchased in the summer when it is on sale, the patterns are made, and the cutting and the sewing begins.

Each family receives a diaper bag full of goodies, a mom’s bag with items for the parents, and a laundry basket full of purchased items like diapers, clothing, blankets, and toys. All this is done in preparation for the 25 Air and Army National Guard expectant parents. This year, the event occurs on Armed Forces Day, May 16.

Sue Ann heads up the sewing contingency. She develops ideas and patterns for the volunteers to cut and sew. Her motto is “sewing is my therapy,” and you can tell that just visiting her sewing room. She comes up with ideas and patterns for the various items. Some of the handmade items for the diaper bags include car seat strap wraps, carrier covers, burp cloths, pacifier holders, and a cuddly animal. The mom bag includes a cozy for both parents.

In addition to these items, there’s a big need for monetary donations. The donated funds allow the volunteers to purchase particular items for each of the families. Besides the individual donors, there are corporate sponsors: Cathey’s Sewing and Vacuum, Veterans Golf Association, Quigley & Associates, Maxwell Aesthetics, Oracle Ford Mercury, and Dr. Lori Macksteller.

With the cancellation of many events, there is an even bigger need for monetary donations this year. You can drop off cash and checks at Karen Baker’s home, 475 N. Keyes Rd., and at Cathey’s Sewing and Vacuum, in Sahuarita. At such time that the Quail Creek buildings are open, you can also drop off donations at the Madera Clubhouse, Anza Athletic Club, and the Creative Arts and Technology Center, but in the meantime, Karen is accepting donations at her house in Quail Creek.

Help make this a wonderful event for all the military families!