Drive scheduled to benefit expectant mothers, babies

A bundle of joy often comes accompanied by a bundle of bills. And the cost can be too much for some families.

A fund-raiser is scheduled for Saturday in the parking lot of Lowe's in Carson City to help ease those costs for expectant mothers and their babies.

"This is an excellent way for us to increase awareness in the community about mother's and children's needs," said Lauren Davis, community essentials program coordinator with the Ron Woods Family Resource Center. "It also gives us the chance to work with other organizations to really surround these families."

Davis worked with a family who recently moved to Carson City. The husband was disabled, the wife was pregnant and they had an older child.

The mother worked the graveyard shift and the father did labor during the day to pay for a motel room.

"An emergency situation arose when the husband's wallet, containing all of their money, was stolen from the motel room," Davis related. "They found themselves out on the street with no money for food or shelter.

"Exhausted emotionally, mentally and physically, this hardworking couple was forced to sleep for a night behind a dumpster because there were no shelters available to families with non-traditional work schedules."

The family found the help it needed through the resource center. Davis said their situation is not uncommon here.

"Carson City is a place where more and more people are facing dire straits because of the growth and economic strains," she said. "Yet, numerous citizens seem to be unaware of the many people who are living day-to-day or who find themselves in an emergency situation they can't get themselves out of."

The purpose of the fund-raiser, called the Wee Need Drive, will be to collect diapers, formula and money. The donations will be used to stock the resource center's emergency pantry as well as the Family to Family Connection and the Community Pregnancy Center.

Family-service organizations will be on hand with information and the fire department will conduct car seat safety checks.

Food and entertainment will be available as well.

IF YOU GO

What: Wee Need Drive

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Where Lowe's parking lot, 444 Fairview Drive