By Gia Myers • Posted August 14, 2024

New and expectant mothers are welcome to attend the second annual “Philly’s Biggest Baby Shower” event taking place on Saturday morning, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center parking lot at 222 N. 17^th Street in Philadelphia.

The event is a collaboration between Catholic Social Services of Philadelphia (CSS) and the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia. It features free baby care items, food, games, prizes, and entertainment for the mothers and their families.

For close to 10 years, CSS has hosted many smaller, community baby showers throughout Philadelphia and its five counties, said Amy Stoner, director of CSS’ Community-Based and Housing and Homeless Services Divisions.

In 2023, CSS decided to “go big” and host a regional baby shower, she said. The first Philly’s Biggest Baby Shower was held last September.

“We had no idea how many people would show up, and a line formed around the block,” Stoner said.

Over 1,700 baby items were distributed to nearly 500 new and expecting mothers who attended last year’s event.

This year registration is encouraged, though not required, to attend the event. Register here.

Stoner expects attendance at this year’s event to exceed last year. As of mid-August, approximately 161 mothers are registered for the event as well as 220 children, and 217 other family members.

Stoner said she wants young parents to know “they’re not alone,” and that the Catholic Church supports parents, families, and their children.

CSS sees “a lot of young parents, and not everyone has the support of family and extended family to throw them a baby shower,” Stoner said.

“Things are so expensive for young parents. There are so many things new parents need to purchase, and then they still need to purchase food and pay their bills.”

She hopes that through events like Philly’s Biggest Baby Shower, CSS can build “connections with these young parents, and build a sense of community that helps strengthen their families.”

Looking ahead to this year’s event, “We’re making it fun to celebrate motherhood and parenthood. It’s going to be a mega-baby shower,” Stoner said.

Guests at the event can enjoy two bounce houses for kids, music provided by a DJ, face painting, and balloon animal making.

Games include “Baby Bingo,” “What’s in Your Purse,” a Jeopardy-inspired game, a candy jar guessing game, and numerous raffles with “big ticket” prizes like baby strollers and Pack ‘N Play gear.

Free items to be distributed include baby clothes, diapers, wipes, blankets, and other essential baby supplies.

There will also be members of archdiocesan clergy on hand to give blessings at a prayer tent, 23 informational vendors, and a musical performance by the Good Shepherd Choir, which is a collaboration between St. John’s Hospice and Mercy Hospice, both ministries of CSS serving those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.

Nutritional Development Services (NDS) will provide free boxed lunches, and the Respect Life ministry of Mother of Divine Providence Parish in King of Prussia will be giving out water ice.

New at this year’s event will be a baby parade, reminiscent of baby parades held on boardwalks at the New Jersey shore. All mothers in attendance are encouraged to dress up their babies and decorate strollers. A photo booth will be at the end of the parade route for family pictures.

An event of this magnitude requires many dedicated volunteers, and so far, 50 people have volunteered to help with this year’s event. Click here if you’re interested in being a volunteer.

Anyone interested in supporting CSS and young parents in need can donate diapers, wipes, raffle prizes, and more online through CSS’ Amazon Wish List. Direct donations can also be made by contacting Amy Stoner at astoner@chs-adphila.org.

To connect with parenting resources throughout the Philadelphia area, contact Catholic Social Services and the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.