Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club launches Baby Basics Drive with Family Connection

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club has launched a Baby Basics drive to collect essential supplies for local families, partnering for the first time with Family Connection of Henry County to support early childhood development in the community.

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The collaboration took shape after a June presentation by Amy McLaughlin, who outlined how Family Connection works with parents from pregnancy through a child’s fourth birthday. The program offers free home visits, parenting education, and developmental screenings, helping families build strong foundations during the early years. Through its “Parent’s Place” store, families can shop for baby items using points earned through program participation.

Kiwanis Club secretary Morgan Yoder said the club immediately recognized a shared purpose. “Their goal aligns perfectly with our club’s — serving the children of Henry County,” she said.

The Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club, part of the global Kiwanis International network, operates under the mission of “improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

That mission inspired club leaders to organize a baby supply drive aimed at helping local parents meet basic needs while encouraging involvement in programs that benefit children long-term just like Family Connection of Henry County.

“Allison Jacobs, the club’s president elect, and myself, club secretary, agreed this is a great opportunity for our club to engage the community and set up a donation drive for baby basics,” Yoder said. “We are thankful to the businesses that have agreed to be a drop-off location.”

Community members can bring donations to Mt. Pleasant Hy-Vee, Brad Holtkamp Automotive, Olson Powell Chapel & Crematory, First Interstate Bank, or First Presbyterian Church. The drive focuses on high-demand items such as diapers (sizes 4—6), wipes, diaper cream, allergen-free laundry detergent, baby wash, bottles, sippy cups, hooded towels, and other infant essentials.

Yoder encouraged community members to also consider giving gently used items or making financial contributions.

“If someone would like to financially donate to our drive, you can contact Family Connection directly or a club member,” she said. “If you have items that are gently used such as baby gates, booster seats, or pack and plays, I encourage you to call Family Connection to see if they would be interested in the item.”

She also emphasized the power of small gestures can have in connection to this Baby Basics drive.

“Next time you are out shopping, toss in a pack of wipes and diapers, to donate to our baby basics drive,” Yoder said. “It’s always a good feeling to help your community and serve those in need. The more donations we receive, the more families we are able to assist! No donation is too small. Our club appreciates the support of the community in this event.”

The Kiwanis Club will continue its outreach at the Henry County Fair on Saturday, July 19, with a pancake and sausage breakfast fundraiser. Proceeds will support a range of local service projects focused on improving the lives of children.

“This will be our first time partnering with Family Connection to do a drive,” Yoder said. “We are excited for the new challenge and opportunity to serve the children and the community.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com