Joanie realized as she was preparing for her baby shower this month that not all moms are as lucky as she is.

That set off a February collection drive  that will have all her friends and co-workers donating stuff like diapers, bottles, and other things needed for an infant’s care.

It’s all a part of a community-wide baby shower for the Better Indy Babies Pantry, which helps at-risk moms-to-be.

The BIBs Pantry, located at University Heights United Methodist Church, is a ministry sponsored by the local chapter of the United Methodist Women, with more than 20 amazing volunteers from the church family.

The BIBS Pantry provides free healthy, nutritional food and hygiene items to at-risk expectant mothers and basic care items for their newborn babies. The pantry was established in 1991 in response to the high infant mortality rate in Marion County — one of the highest in the nation at the time.

It is an ongoing challenge to keep the BIBS Pantry stocked enough to keep up with the growing needs of our community.  University Heights United Methodist Women sponsors the BIBS Pantry in cooperation with HealthNet’s Better Indy Babies/Healthy Families programs.

HealthNet’s Better Indy Babies/Healthy Families programs provide home-based services to help at-risk pregnant women and parenting families. Services include health education and referrals to community resources. The Better Indy Babies program administers the Healthy Families program, a home visitation model that encourages good parent-child interactions from birth to age three. In 2011, HealthNet had more than 13,402 visits through both programs.

Shower the Little Ones With Some Love This February!

You can help too! Consider hosting a baby shower to benefit the BIBS Pantry and Better Indy Babies/Healthy Families Programs.

Bring together your friends, co-workers or family for a baby shower – you can even play a few silly shower games, if you want! New and gently used winter clothing, baby gates, new car seats, toys, and baby food are always needed.  Click here for a detailed list of needed items. You can email info@indyhealthnet.org to arrange a pick-up or delivery time.

Help Without the Hassle

Cash donations to Better Indy Babies/Healthy Families are immediate. No boxes or bags. Skip the trip to the mall — and the silly shower games. Just donate online now.

Thank you for your support of this community collaboration between HealthNet and University Heights United Methodist Church!