By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press
One hundred new or expectant mothers were treated to a wonderful surprise baby shower event this weekend in Copperas Cove.
The Mu Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc created 100 gift baskets to donate to the first 100 mothers to attend the sorority’s 2nd annual community baby shower. Baskets were filled with items for infants and went, on a first-come basis, to new/expectant mothers.
The community baby shower was held at the Taste of Cove Food Truck Park Saturday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
In addition to the gift basket giveaway, the event also included entertainment for the kids in the form of a bounce house and some outdoor games. They could also get their pictures taken along with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Sporty Dogg, manned by members of the sorority, handed out free hot dogs throughout the event. They also provided free lemonade and sweet tea. The event was free and open to the community.
Zoerina Fischbach attended the event with her sister and their three children. Each of them received a free basket. Fischbach is expected to give birth to her son, Warren, sometime next month.
“I thought it was really sweet. Being a new mom is hard, and it feels nice to be appreciated,” said Fischbach. “It’s just a nice outing, especially for Mother’s Day weekend.”
Last year, they prepared baskets for 19 girls from the Hope Pregnancy Center, and they were excited to be able to give away 100 baskets this year.
“We are trying to launch our Stork’s Nest within the next month, and this is the perfect way to kick off the launch,” said Tasha Roberts, member of the Mu Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “Stork’s Nest is an entity within Zeta Phi Beta that will be assisting mothers with prenatal care and other things.”
Roberts owns the Taste of Cove Food Truck Park and was happy to use the site to host Saturday’s event. Roberts also owns Babies ‘n Things and plans to let the group use the store as a base for their Stork’s Nest.
“Storks Nest is one of our international initiatives focusing on prenatal care, mother health, baby health, and just community support and resources for new and expectant mothers,” said LaTasha Watson, Vice President for Mu Delta Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. The Stork’s Nest is basically a shop or storage area where new or expectant mothers who need a little bit of help can go to get some resources or supplies that they might need.
The two women were excited to be able to bring a Stork’s Nest to the Central Texas area.
“We are a community-based organization, and we do a lot of community service, and this is one thing that we are adding to that,” said Roberts.
Roberts said that in addition to providing supplies, they also hope to use the Babies ‘n Things store to host classes for new/expectant mothers as well.
“Being a mother and a woman myself, I see the struggles and lack of resources in our communities especially for lower income families and young mothers without a support system or foundation. We just help fill in those gaps,” said Watson about why it’s important to provide the kind of support that their group plans to provide.
“I’ve been in this community with Babies & Things for 15 years, and I’m a new member of Zeta Phi Beta and it’s a blessing to be a part of their group,” said Roberts. “I would say that with their group, I am able to help more people through the initiatives that they have as well as the different things that I’ve done for the community all of these years.”
“This organization of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Mu Delta Zeta Chapter is just humbly grateful for the owner of Taste of Cove and Babies & Things and her willingness to partner with the chapter and share locally and support this tri-city area,” said Watson
In addition to helping with new and expectant mothers, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority also participates in a variety of events to help the community. They are one of 9 black sororities/fraternities, and one of their other big projects is providing scholarships. Last year the sororities/fraternities were able to donate $100,000 in scholarships with Zeta Phi Beta giving away $30,000. This year they’ve already beaten that number, giving away $31,000 this year.
Those interested in joining can find them online or on most social media platforms.
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