Using the Elks National Foundation Spotlight and Beacon grants, Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 held its fifth annual military baby shower Jan. 20. There were 81 guests in attendance, including 26 mothers. There were also 17 event volunteers. Blue Star Families of Jacksonville helped find the mothers to attend, most of which were active-duty military members. Rae Montgomery, Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services physical therapist, distributed copies of “Advance My Baby,” a book written by FECTS occupational therapists Jeanne Martin and Paula Tarver, and shared what she does with FECTS. Also attending the event were representatives from the local USO in Jacksonville. They held several raffles and gave out donated knitted baby hats. Lunch and desserts were donated by the volunteers. Guests played baby shower games and received prizes, also donated by our members, which included two diaper cakes. Mothers could choose crocheted baby blankets made and donated by two members and two burp cloths and two baby bibs, which were also made and donated by a member. They also received diapers and wipes, which members donated during the diaper drive. The mothers were so thankful and expressed their gratitude with lots of hugs. The lodge also plans to stay in touch with some of the mothers and hold a crochet class.
Pictured are attendees playing games and Rae Montgomery with FECTS books. Pictured with donated diapers are members Carmel Reed; Frances Fowler; Pam Haley, candidate; Rebecca Rue; Cheryl Kehl, Lecturing Knight; and Mark Thompson.