On Jan. 24, Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 hosted its seventh annual military baby shower, using funds from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight and Gratitude grants. They hosted 25 military families and gave them gifts from their personal baby registries, which included bassinets, strollers, car seats and lots of baby items. They also included books, homemade burp cloths and bibs and crocheted blankets made by lodge members, blankets made by members of the Daughters of the Revolutionary War, and diapers donated by lodge members. Guests enjoyed lunch and dessert and played baby games, with prizes donated by members. Special guests included Blue Star Families of Jacksonville and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services district occupational therapist Melanie Sarris. Both spoke about what they do for families.
Pictured are Melanie Sarris, FECTS OT, with mother Anastasia and her husband; attendees playing baby shower games; and lodge volunteers Beth Clark; Deborah Reedy, PER, event chair; Anne Paulisczak; Cheryl Kehl; Sandy Trippe; Pam Haley; and Kelly Paulson.