My Experience: A Longtime Volunteer on the Community Baby Shower
Shari Young (pictured on the right) has supported United Way for 24 years, is an active member of UWGS’s Regional Advisory Board and Women United member as well as a past Co-Chair of Women United (pictured here with present Women United Co-Chair Kelly Boston). Shari is the Director of Sales at RiverWoods Durham.
The United Way of the Greater Seacoast Community Baby Shower has grown and evolved over its 8 year history, most recently changing in format due to the pandemic, but the fulfilling experience of putting much needed and appreciated baby basics into the hands of new and expectant moms/parents has been the constant attraction for me. Connecting with these new parents over the years brought both reflection and optimism, a reminder of the hope and joy that should be a part of the arrival of a new child.
Too often the feelings of worry and fear have overshadowed these days for many of these new parents. This event, and unfortunately the need in the Greater Seacoast, has grown over the years. From helping approximately 40 moms/families with the first baby shower back in 2014 to this year helping 200 moms/families, it is obvious the need in our community is tremendous. Offering emotional support and basic supplies along with connecting the new parents with much valued resources from community partners has been a blessing to both the givers and to those receiving the support. Seeing connections to agency partners being formed or reinforced has given me optimism for the future of these young families, and hope that they, and their baby, will enjoy a bright future.
Get involved
The Community Baby Shower is hosted by Women United. We are still seeking sponsors, donations and diaper drive donations to help United Way of the Greater Seacoast to support 200 in our community through our 8th annual Community Baby Shower on May 8th. To help or for more info please click here.
More about the showers
Parenthood can be overwhelming for anyone. Whether it’s nutrition, developmental milestones, or safe sleep, new parents have a lot to learn. What’s worse, much of the information can appear contradictory. That’s where our community—supportive friends, family, and caring neighbors— comes in. In the spirit of a traditional baby shower, United Way’s 8th annual Community Baby Shower is a celebration 200 new and expectant parents in the Seacoast. Cumulatively, our Baby Showers will serve more than 1,000 new families throughout the regions we serve.
As the pandemic continues to impact all aspects of life, the need is greater than ever and we need your help! You can help fund gift cards, diapers and wipes for the newest members of our community. Get involved!
