MEMPHIS, TN - A local group is trying to decrease child abuse by increasing awareness and improving parenting skills. They are doing it through a community-wide baby shower this Saturday, November 21, 2009. The organizer of the event says it’s about more than gifts and games, it's about saving lives.
At 25-years-old Danielle Todd has five children. The oldest is 10. The youngest, Jeremiah, was born two weeks ago. The young mother had to grow up early.
Todd says, “It was no more me, it was no more childhood, it was no more going out like regular kids were and playing. I had a child. This wasn't no baby doll. I couldn't put her down to the side and go play.”
Danielle missed a lot of her childhood. Now she's trying to avoid joining a growing list of parental problems plaguing the local community.
Memphis and Shelby County continue to see cases of child abuse that have claimed young lives. This area continues to lead the nation in infant mortality cases. Antonio "2 shay" Parkinson has come up with a way to provide resources to young women expecting a child or who have recently given birth.
Parkinson says, ”At the baby shower they will receive gift baskets. But more importantly there will be speakers there that will be able to teach these girls how to go through a healthy pregnancy. How to make sure their baby is not affected by SIDS. Everything from financial to even insurance for your kids.”
Each mother will receive clothes and baby items, donated by generous Mid-Southerners who acknowledge the problem, but want to be a part of the solution. Parkinson says while the shower is set up to inform and empower, it's in no way meant to glorify teen or unwed motherhood.
Parkinson says “What we're saying is it's here. The babies are coming or they're here and we are going to wrap our arms around them and give them every opportunity that they can have to become productive citizens.”
For Danielle Todd and little Jeremiah, the "Fresh Start Baby Shower" is giving them a fresh start at life.
The community baby shower is this Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the Breath of Life Christian Center at 3795 Frayser-Raleigh road. There is still a need for items. To donate call (901) 372-8925.
