Eighty-four percent of the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center’s clients tend to live at or below the poverty line, which means they have a hard enough time getting the care items their babies need. Now add a pandemic on top of that.
Well, executive director of the Bakersfield Pregnancy center, Erin rogers said that they had enough inventory to meet that need--10,000 dollars worth.
“We kept thinking, oh my goodness what are we going to do with all of this? And in the first 40 days of COVID, we primarily handed out diapers, baby wipes, and formula to clients, or anyone in the community that needed it, Rogers said. "We said we’ll meet you at the door and hand you a bag."
That abundance was thanks to 23ABC and the pregnancy center’s inaugural baby shower drive last November.
“It filled our whole upstairs classroom. So we literally had diapers in about three columns stacked all the way to the ceiling, thousands and thousands of baby wipes," Rogers said.
The second annual event will take place on November 19 at 23ABC studios in Downtown Bakersfield. Last year, you could drop off donations at the center and other locations but this time around it'll be a drive-thru only at 23ABC studios. of course, we at 23ABC and the pregnancy center will be there to collect items while following CDC guidelines such as wearing masks and social distancing.
“They don’t even need to get out of their car. They can just pop their trunk open and we’ll have volunteers to unload for them,” Rogers said.
This may seem new, but rogers points out that it’s similar to the drive-thru showers the center has been happening throughout the pandemic. They’re primarily looking for new or gently used items for infants, 0-9 months. Items needed include bottles, infant toys, diapers, and baby wipes.
“I know that our Bakersfield community will be generous as they always are. I would encourage people to think of what a new mom would need," Rogers said. "I can assure you that we can’t use, we have contacted many organizations in Kern County and told them: 'Be ready because we’re going to come share!'"
You can find a full list of items that the pregnancy center is looking for here.
If you are unsure if your item qualifies or if you have any questions about what can be donated, call the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center at 661-326-1915.
