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A Red Cross program is changing lives for military families
Military moms are in the unique and unusual position of often having to manage a newborn with little to no support. Military life as part of its nature includes moving often as the service member is rotated to different duty stations and deployments.
Kris Torberson, Tiffany Circle Chairman, can relate. “My father was in the military, and some members are military-affiliated, but it wasn’t a personal need that drove us—we recognized the challenges military families face,” she says. “I’ve moved 18 times in a 30-year career as a chemical engineer with Exxon. That lack of a support system during big life changes like childbirth inspired us.”
Circle is a national philanthropic network of women leaders within the Red Cross—honoring Red Cross founder Clara Barton— that showcases the power of women working together.
The baby shower started modestly. “We were a very new group—just two people at the start, and now it’s grown to 20,” explained Torberson. “We aspire to continue growing. Our first year, we aimed to support 25 families. Each year we’ve learned a bit more, especially after transitioning from in-person to drivethrough events during the pandemic. Now in our sixth year, we supported about 110 families.” Initially, the group focused on the Houston area, due to available facilities and participant demographics. Recently, they expanded to include Corpus Christi.
What began as an idea has become essential, and the group has adapted through the pandemic, political shifts, and disasters. Each year, families find value, as it is not just a baby shower; “it’s a lifeline.”
“The need continues, and this is our way of saying thank you to military families,” said Torberson.
The annual event touches on immediate needs and sets the new mother up for success. When one thinks of a typical baby shower, the image that comes to mind might be pecan ice cream, cute onesies and boxes of diapers. Perhaps more importantly, they are given support and the knowledge that, as Torberson says, “the Red Cross is here for you today and here for you tomorrow.” New moms, she adds, get a “network where when they meet one or two other families and they say, ‘oh my gosh, I’m not alone’.”
One baby shower stands out to Torberson. “One mom came straight from the hospital with her newborn, saying, ‘This is all I’m going to get this year.’ It’s rewarding to provide both preventative support and essential resources.”
In additional to gifts, the families are provided with hands-on newborn first aid training—including pediatric CPR—and information about the Red Cross smoke alarm program.
Any military spouse (or servicemember) who had a baby in the previous six months or who is expecting a baby within the next six months is eligible. The mother can sign up herself or someone can sign up for her, and the registration information is used only for attendance verification.
For the second year in a row, the Red Cross Tiffany Circle baby shower is partnering with the Dynamo and Dash Charities to host the Houston shower. They have graciously donated the facility space for the event and trainings, provided branded onesies and even game tickets for the families. “Although scheduling prevented the athletes from attending last year, they stopped by during setup and expressed excitement to remain involved,” explained Torberson.
Is there any interest from other Houston Sports teams to get involved? Torberson grinned, “We’d love that. If you know someone, please connect us.” Donations to the project can be made via Amazon registry. Volunteers and corporate sponsors are also welcome. Corporations wishing to become involved can contact Marissa Bennett.
