The spirit of community and compassion filled Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 1, as the Upstate Pregnancy Center and Select Health of South Carolina (First Choice) hosted the Bundles of Joy Community Baby Shower.
Nearly 40 expecting mothers attended — some joined by fathers, others by parents or family members — each surrounded by encouragement, education, and the warmth of local support.
A Morning of Welcome and Encouragement
The morning began with greetings from Brenda Stewart of the Upstate Pregnancy Center and Tina Dailey of First Choice. Stewart thanked attendees for allowing the Center to share in this special season of their lives and emphasized the Center’s mission “to walk alongside moms and dads in Laurens County—not just during pregnancy, but through every stage of parenthood.”
Pastor Chad Reynolds of Westminster Presbyterian Church, also a UPC board member, opened the event with prayer and a blessing for the families. The church provided a warm, welcoming space that set the tone for a meaningful morning.
Community Partners and Education
Representatives from Prisma Health Healthy Start-Upstate, Mead Johnson Nutrition, SC DHHS, First Steps, Baby & Me Tobacco Free, WIC, SC Thrive, Safe Kids Upstate, and Wider Circle were on hand to share valuable information and resources for parents.
A highlight of the event was the educational session led by Joy with Prisma Health, who spoke on Safe Sleep for Babies and shared creative ways to make playtime interactive through songs, phrases, and simple daily activities. Her presentation offered practical guidance for safe-sleep practices and meaningful interaction, helping parents nurture their babies and toddlers as they grow.
Recognizing Our Community Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Jim and Susan Potts
Anonymous
Janet Lynn
Championship Sponsors
American Legion Post 25
Laurens County Water & Sewer Commission
Laurens County Buzz
Sadler Hughes Apothecary
Community Partners
SC House Rep. Doug Gilliam
Laurens County Council Rep. Justin Lane
SC House Rep. Mark Willis
Danny and Kim Verdin
Nichols Automotive
Chad and Laney Reynolds
Big Air Laurens
CPW
Friends & Family Supporters
Hoyt Hanvey Jewelers
CrossFit864
Tapestry
Whitefords of Laurens
Laureens County Coroner Patti Canupp
A Shared Mission of Support
As the morning concluded, attendees enjoyed drawings and refreshments before heading home with gifts, helpful resources, and two bags (about 20 pounds total) of fresh produce provided by Humpty Dumpty Farm in Barnwell.
“Events like this remind us that our community is strongest when we come together to love and support one another,” said Stewart.
The Bundles of Joy Community Baby Shower showcased the power of collaboration — neighbors, churches, and organizations working hand-in-hand to support families and strengthen Laurens County one new life at a time. Because the event was such a success and reflected the mission of the Upstate Pregnancy Center so clearly, leaders are exploring opportunities to hold additional community baby showers in the future to continue celebrating and supporting local families.
