Richmond Heights Volunteer's Work Inspires Drive for Baby Items

in Richmond Heights continues to receive baby items as part of a special donation drive that began Monday.

Hospital volunteers are collecting items such as onesies, booties, diapers and wipes to be used by underprivileged families. The items are for newborns up through children who are 9 months old. The Baby Shower event, sponsored by the SSM St. Mary's Mission Awareness Team and Volunteer-Auxiliary Organization, happened from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.

"A lot has come in since yesterday," said Stacey Rynders, communications specialist with the hospital, on Tuesday. Hospital employees have been bringing in items at various times during their shifts. The drive is geared toward employees, though members of the public are invited to participate throughout the week.

Volunteers are seeking basic care items such as new and gently used clothing, Rynders said. One troop of Girl Scouts has participated, and another troop is expected to donate 100 handmade fleece blankets and 100 onesies later this week. Those interested in making a donation of such items may visit the hospital's information desk on the ground floor and ask to be directed to the volunteer office.

"It's a great initiative," Rynders said.

Richmond Heights resident Alice Provaznik inspired the event, a news release from the hospital states. She has been volunteering at the hospital for more than 30 years and began soliciting donations for baby items last year after learning that the hospital was in need of them. She and volunteer Rose Renz wash and sort the gently used clothing they receive.

“People just show up with bags and boxes for the ‘baby clothes lady,’ and it’s so wonderful,” Provaznik stated in the release.  “Babies need to go home warm, clothed and knowing people cared. Caring is what this is all about.”