Members of the Florida Aspen Club gathered on May 21 to assemble five baskets of items for newborns at Mercy Medical Center and their low income moms. They did two baskets for boys, two for girls, and one for a preemie. The dilemma this time was more items than could fit in the baskets. Those will be saved for more baskets to be packed in September. Many of the baby items this year were collected by the Durango Harley Owners Group.
This year the women's community service group was able to buy five infant car seats to give with the baskets. Neonatal nurses at Mercy will decide who to give the baskets and car seats to.
The gathering at the home of Marilyn Ellis on County Road 502 started with a delicious potluck. Members at this event included Loraine Sufficool, Loretta McLeod, Patty Giesel, Carol Shablo, Kathy Motter, Karen Baxter, Michelle Barrett, Patty Martin, Candy Gerber, Helen Hoefer, Jenni Tencza, Cathy Enns, and Terrie Miller.
The Aspen Club started in the 1950s. Along with the baby baskets two times during the year, their other big project is to adopt several Bayfield area needy families to provide Christmas presents, food, and other items the recipients need. One year a family desperately needed new tires for their vehicle.
