In a vibrant show of love, support and grassroots collaboration, Canarsie came together on Sunday, May 4th, to celebrate and uplift new and expectant mothers at its first-ever Community Baby Shower — a joyous and impactful event hosted at P.S. 276 The Louis Marshall School, 1070 East 83rd Street.
Organized by Kings Plaza-Canarsie Kiwanis in partnership with Community Board 18 (CB 18), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Delta Rho Omega Chapter), local hospitals, health advocates and faith-based groups, the baby shower was a heartfelt response to a critical issue affecting our neighborhood: maternal health disparities.
The event was inspired by a CB 18 meeting in 2024, where a representative from the Brooklyn Borough President’s office introduced a grant initiative aimed at combating the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis. Canarsie, where infant mortality and preterm birth rates exceed citywide averages, was identified as a priority neighborhood. Naomi Lehrer, youth and technology chair of CB18 and a member of Kiwanis, quickly mobilized efforts and applied for the grant. By mid-April, it was official — funding was secured, and the vision became a reality.
On Sunday, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., more than 300 people gathered for what became not just a giveaway, but a village-wide show of solidarity. Over 120 registered families were welcomed with gifts of strollers, diapers, clothing, baby carriers, books and even a chance to win car seats. A range of local organizations provided interactive education on everything from breastfeeding to emotional wellness.
“This is more than a baby shower. This is a lifeline,” Lehrer said, beaming among rows of tables covered in pastel gift bags and parenting guides. “We are here to celebrate motherhood but also to equip families with real tools to thrive.”
The gymnasium was transformed into a baby-friendly community hub, with food served in the school cafeteria and informational tables ringing the perimeter. A sonogram machine was available on-site. Educational booths allowed moms to collect tickets they could trade in for must-have baby items — creating a dynamic blend of learning and support.
For Father Dwayne Davis, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Flatlands and administrator of Our Lady Help of Christians in Midwood, the event was deeply personal — a mission woven into the Lenten season.
“This baby shower was part of our Lenten project,” Davis shared. “Our parishioners and confirmation students worked together to collect baby items — and they gave so much. It was a truckload, at least a van full, of donations. They are always generous in everything they do.”
About 25 confirmation students from St. Thomas Aquinas, Our Lady Help of Christians and Midwood Catholic Academy volunteered at the event. “For us, service is how we live the Gospel,” Davis added. “Our young people are learning what it means to truly help their community.”
That sense of generational pride and participation resonated deeply with parents like Renee, a longtime resident of Canarsie and alumna of P.S. 276 herself.
“I actually went to this school from 2nd to 5th grade, and now my kids go here,” Renee said, bouncing her 6-week-old baby, Adesa, in her arms. “This school is always doing it up for the community. I came today as a new mom and got some much-needed things — and I felt so supported.”
Renee, who also has a 9-year-old son, Judah, and a 5-year-old daughter, Makis, shared how meaningful it was to see her old school serving families like hers. “It just feels like a really big community. I even had a heart-to-heart with the superintendent, and it felt like talking to an old friend. It’s uplifting — I feel like I can rely on this school and this community.”
Diaspora Community Services offered a preview of upcoming parenting workshops, with topics ranging from healthy relationships to trauma-informed parenting, consent education and self-care for new moms. Their presence underscored the long-term vision of this initiative: to empower mothers not just for a day, but for life.
The outpouring of generosity was striking. Local churches like St. Thomas and Mary Queen of Heaven transformed the event into a Lenten mission. Politicians, youth groups like Madison High School Key Club, Circle K from LIU and Kiwanis clubs all pitched in. Volunteers from NYC CERT and school staff ensured everything ran smoothly.
By all accounts, the event exceeded expectations — and was only made possible by the community’s shared commitment. “Every time someone heard what we were doing, they wanted to help. This baby shower came together because people cared,” Lehrer reflected.
Organizers are still accepting donations — both physical items and tax-deductible monetary gifts — and have their sights set on expanding outreach in the years to come. To contribute, contact CB 18 or Kings Plaza-Canarsie Kiwanis.
As Renee said with a smile, “I came for the supplies — but I’m leaving with support.”
