When you have a baby, you also have a lot of stuff. And you probably make regular trips to the store to buy more stuff. But what if you can’t afford all the things your baby needs? There are several agencies that can help, and every year, the Zonta Club of Bismarck holds a baby gift drive to collect all the things babies need.

This is the group’s eleventh annual baby gift drive. Each year, they collect baby items and then give them to area agencies that provide support to families. This year’s donated items will go to three organizations: North Dakota Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, and The Welcome House.

“This year, we’re really putting a push to get those donations because the more items we collect, the more gifts we can provide to families in need,” explains Natalie Eckes,  Zonta Club president.

Natalie says agencies are always in need of items such as diapers, baby shampoo, baby lotion, wipes, pacifiers, vaseline, sippy cups, blankets, baby wash cloths, and more.

“Think of all the things you need when you have a baby and chances are, our agencies have families who can use those too. We just ask that no baby powder or bottles are donated and that all items donated are new.”

The drive goes until November 6. Items can be dropped off at all Gate City Bank locations in Bismarck and Mandan and at all Security First Banks in Bismarck and Mandan. Checks for donations can be made out to Zonta Club of Bismarck-Baby Gift Drive and given to any Zonta Club member, or mailed to Gate City Bank, Attn: Steph Michels, PO Box 1358, Bismarck, ND 58502.

Zonta’s Mission Statement is: “Advancing the Status of Women & Children Worldwide”.  Zonta Club of Bismarck is associated with Zonta International  a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta was founded in 1919 and currently has nearly 30,000 members in 1,200 clubs located in 67 countries. Zonta International envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and represented in decision making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence. Click here to learn more about Zonta Club of Bismarck.