Caroline's Promise launches its newest program for newest residents
Welcome baby packets
By Terry L. Norton, Staff Writer

Thomas Durso, Jr. was born at 2:08 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Mary Washington Hospital, and on Feb. 3, he received an official Caroline County welcome.

Carolineís Promise Coordinator Kristen Taylor found the countyís first 2005 baby after a month-long search. She then delivered a special Welcome Baby Packet to the infantís proud parents, Patricia Parker and Thomas Durso, both of Sparta.

The basket, which was a baby bathtub, included a special present for Mom, diapers, blanket, health items, bottle-bank with gifts inside, baby powder, q-tips and even Tom Jr.'s very own yellow rubber duck.

Taylor said that all Welcome Baby Baskets have criteria items and a variety of supplies dependent upon the needs of the parent and value. Each basket will have outlet-covers, cupboard latches and other safety items. The container can be a baby bathtub, diaper bag or storage box as the mom prefers.

The parents also receive a list of resources and services of interest to parents, such as safety suggestions for the home, parenting tips, WICK and immunization information.

The baskets are free to any county mother who is expecting a child or has a newborn up to six months old. If a mother is expecting, Taylor said she delivers the basket to the future mom one-month prior to the due date.

When a person calls to register, Taylor said she schedules a time and place to meet and present the basket.

Caroline's Promise has been getting the word out through flyers and sample baskets at the Social Services Department and Health Department. "Eligibility and Social workers are telling their clients about the program and it is now spreading by word of mouth", Taylor said.

So far, Caroline's Promise has given out 10 packets and has 21 mothers registered, several of whom are not due until later in the year. The program will continue as long as the organization can keep it running.

Expectant and new mothers, who want information about Carolineís Promise New Baby Packet, should call Taylor 633-5318 ext. 151, or email carolinespromise@bealenet.com or visit the web site www.carolinespromise.org.

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