Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske on Wednesday announced a new date for her upcoming "Community Baby Shower" benefitting struggling new moms.
The event will take place May 20 at the City of Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, 2525 Grand Ave., instead of this Thursday.
Schipske said the tough economy has made the issue more pressing.
Diapers, baby wipes, bibs, clothing, booties, socks, pajamas, gowns, blankets, toys, pacifiers and other necessities can fall out of financial reach.
The 5th District councilwoman hopes to collect those and other items to benefit up to 200 needy moms identified by Long Beach public health nurses.
Schipske, a registered-nurse practitioner, found inspiration to start the baby shower program when she worked at St. Mary Medical Center in the 1980s.
Public health nurses plan to use the so-called "newborn kits" as an incentive for expectant mothers to complete educational programs.
There are two ways to help.
The first is to donate new baby items -- but not food or formula -- to Schipske's Neighborhood Office, 2760 Studebaker Road between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
The second is to make out a tax-deductible check to Long Beach Cares and bring it to the same address.
Gifts will be placed in diaper bags by volunteers and given to mothers at the Community Baby Shower at 3 p.m. May 20 at the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, 2525 Grand Ave.
For information, contact Tiffany Andrews at 562-570-3102 or write district5@longbeach.gov.
