On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Emily Kruger, a registered nurse in the Labor and Delivery Department at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center, to discuss the hospital’s new Blessing Baskets initiative and the resources available to families in need.
The Blessing Baskets were created by Kruger and her coworkers after recognizing that some community members were struggling to access basic necessities. The team volunteered their time to organize shelves stocked with essential items, including diapers, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, baby wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and underwear.
The shelves are available at two locations: the Mom’s Spot at Town Square Center, where mothers gather for support groups and educational classes, and the OB Clinic at Commerce Towers.
The initiative is open to anyone in the community who needs assistance, not just current OSF patients. The OB Clinic at Commerce Towers is the easiest location to access, with hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community members can visit the reception desk and ask for access to the Blessing Baskets. Staff will direct them to the supplies so they can select the items they need.
The Blessing Basket at the Mom’s Spot is also available, although access depends on when the facility is open for scheduled support groups and activities.
Kruger explained that the initiative is intended to help mothers and families facing financial challenges, whether they are experiencing a temporary hardship or need continued assistance throughout the year. The goal is to help bridge the gap for families who may be struggling to afford everyday essentials while caring for themselves and their children.
Community members can also play an important role in keeping the Blessing Baskets stocked. OSF Saint Katharine accepts donations year-round, including diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, baby wash, shampoo, conditioner, underwear, and other personal care necessities. Monetary donations are also welcome and are directed through the OSF Foundation, allowing the team to purchase additional supplies as needed.
The initiative has already received encouraging community support. One local resident organized a fundraising giveaway that generated $250 for the Blessing Baskets, providing additional funds to purchase essential items. Kruger shared that both patients and other community members have already visited the OB Clinic location to collect supplies, expressing gratitude for the assistance.
Beyond providing physical necessities, OSF Saint Katharine also offers several opportunities for mothers to connect with others and receive emotional and mental health support.
The Mom’s Spot hosts three recurring support groups:
- Breastfeeding Support Group: Meets every Thursday at 9 a.m. Mothers can receive breastfeeding assistance, ask questions, and participate in weighted feeds to help determine how much milk their babies are transferring during feedings.
- Moms Group: Meets on the second Friday of each month. Mothers can bring their children, who can enjoy the playroom while adults connect, participate in discussions, and take part in seasonal crafts and activities. Volunteers are typically available to help supervise the children so mothers can focus on the group.
- Moments for Moms: Meets on the fourth Friday of each month. This mental health support group provides mothers with an opportunity to discuss challenges, connect with others, and seek additional help when needed.
Through the Blessing Baskets and its ongoing support groups, OSF Saint Katharine is working to make sure mothers and families have access to resources that support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Kruger hopes the community will continue spreading the word about the program and helping keep the shelves stocked so families know they have somewhere to turn when they need a little extra support.
To learn more about the Blessing Baskets, access available supplies, or contribute donations, visit the OSF Saint Katharine OB Clinic at Commerce Towers during regular business hours.
For more information about the Mom’s Spot and its support groups, community members can connect with OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center.
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