Student Parent Support Center to host Community Baby Shower supporting student families
The University of Utah’s Student Parent Support Center will host a Community Baby Shower on April 15 from 12–3 p.m. in Union Room 280, inviting campus and community members to come together in support of student parents.
As part of the Student Parent Support Center’s Week of the Young Child (April 11–17)—a weeklong series that highlights the needs of young children and student families while recognizing the programs and staff who support them—this event aims to raise awareness of the center’s services and collect essential baby items for students balancing academics and parenthood.
Donated items will support two key programs: the Baby Boutique and the diaper bank. The Baby Boutique provides free access to items such as clothing, toys, wipes, and other essential supplies for student parents. The diaper bank offers additional support by allowing students to pick up a pack of diapers each month.
“For many student parents, something as simple as access to diapers, clothing, or baby supplies can make a meaningful difference,” said Virginia Despain, director of the Student Parent Support Center. “Community support helps ease that burden and reminds our students that they are not navigating this journey alone.”
Community members are encouraged to contribute items that can make an immediate impact. Most-needed donations include:
- New pacifiers and bottles (in packaging),
- New baby socks and onesies
- Sealed and unexpired baby formula
- New baby shampoo and wash, baby wipes, lotion, diaper cream,
- New or gently used books
- Breast milk storage bags
- Baby laundry detergent
- Postpartum care kits
- Sleep sacks
- Sippy cups.
In addition to donation opportunities, the Community Baby Shower will feature sweet treats, fun games, and a diaper raffle. Attendees will also have the chance to learn more about the resources available to student parents, including programs that help meet basic needs and foster a sense of community and belonging on campus.
The Community Baby Shower is open to all. Those who are unable to attend the event in person can still support student families by donating items at the Student Parent Support Center office in Union Room 280 through April 20. Donations can also be made online through the center’s Amazon Baby Registry.