News Summary
Aiken, SC will host a free local baby shower event aimed at supporting underserved families on Saturday. Organizer Molina Healthcare will distribute 10,000 diapers to over 100 mothers, along with diaper bags and essential resources for new parents. The event will include games and raffles, fostering community support for those in need. With 16.3% of residents living below the poverty line, this initiative addresses critical needs while inviting all community members to participate.
Aiken, SC – A free local baby shower event will be hosted on Saturday at the Women and Children’s Health Center, designed to support underserved families with essential resources, including diapers. This initiative is part of Molina’s Community Baby Shower Event, aiming to offer immediate and long-term support to families in need.
Organizers are planning to distribute 10,000 diapers to over 100 mothers during the event. Attendees can expect a fun day featuring games, giveaways, and valuable information about maternal resources tailored for new and expectant mothers. The event begins at 10 a.m. and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ben Jackey from Molina Healthcare reported that approximately 16.3% of Aiken residents live below the poverty level, which exceeds both state and national averages. This statistic highlights the significant need for assistance within the community. A year’s supply of diapers for an infant can exceed $1,000, making it a considerable expense for low-income families. According to the National Diaper Bank’s Diaper Check Report, up to 50% of families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their child clean, dry, and healthy, with nearly 30% of these families sacrificing meals to cover diaper costs.
In addition to diaper distribution, the event will provide diaper bags complete with wipes, and participants can enter a raffle for valuable items such as a car seat, stroller, and pack-and-play. Gently used baby items will also be available. This approach aims to enrich the lives of families in the community, and organizers emphasize that the baby shower is not limited to low-income families; all community members are invited, regardless of financial status.
Understanding the Local Need
Anna Huerta, a Medicaid enrollment specialist who also works in the diaper room, has firsthand experience with the stigma surrounding diaper needs. She believes the baby shower is a significant step toward alleviating some of the pressures low-income families face. Huerta stated that the need for diaper assistance will extend beyond the event, indicating ongoing challenges faced by local families.
Community Focus
The Women and Children’s Health Center, operated by Rural Health Services (RHS), provides care to the community without regard for insurance status and offers a sliding-scale fee for services. RHS encourages attendees to register as patients to unlock additional benefits, including access to the diaper room where families can receive two diaper sleeves each month.
The upcoming baby shower is part of RHS’s broader mission to serve not only its patients but the entire community. This aligns with their ongoing commitment to health and wellbeing among local families. In addition, RHS is preparing for its Healthy Futures Festival, a back-to-school bash and community resource fair scheduled for August 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., further reinforcing their dedication to support families in Aiken.
Attendees of the baby shower can look forward to a day filled with community spirit, valuable resources, and opportunities to learn about essential services that can help them thrive during the critical early stages of parenting.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken County Weather Events and Community Activities
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Free Community Baby Shower Happening Aiken
- WJBF: Rural Health Services Hosting 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower
- MSN: Rural Health Services Hosting 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower
- Post and Courier: Today’s Events for July 25
- WJBF Video: Rural Health Services Hosting 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
