Bottles. Pampers, sizes zero to four. Baby and toddler toys. Burp cloths. Baby washcloths or bath kits containing baby soap and shampoo —all are appreciated and welcomed gifts for the expectant moms and dads invited to a coming-soon Sampson County event. The nonprofit Grace Helping Others, Inc. hosts its annual community baby shower July 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at Twisted Vines, 82 Twisted Vines Lane, in Clinton. Now in its sixth year, the public shower undergirds new parents with education, resources and a plethora of baby gifts, all complimentary for attendees. Interested? Expectant and new parents can register through June 30. 

“The Greatest Baby Shower on Earth” is the theme for the Grace Helping Others, Inc. 2026 event. The shower celebrates new beginnings and supports growing families in the nonprofit service area of Sampson, Cumberland, Hoke, Duplin, Scotland and Wayne counties. Grace Helping Others, Inc. has the mission of “uplifting lives through service rooted in grace, respect and purpose.”  

Founded in 2021 in Fayetteville by Carmen Jones and supported by a network of volunteers, the organization, per its website  www.gracehelpingothers.org/, is “committed to meeting people where they are and, by walking alongside them, helping transform hardships into hopes and challenges into opportunity.” 

Headquartered in Clinton, the organization has a multi-county reach that exists “to bring hope, dignity and tangible support to individuals and families when they need it most.” 

Founder and Executive Director Jones explained more. 

“Our baby shower caters to moms and dads. It’s an adults-only event. We do a full-fledged baby shower with games and plenty of gifts. This year, everything is in the backdrop of the carnival theme. We will have bright colors, reds, blues and yellows, a popcorn machine, funnel cakes, fun games and food such as Mexican corn and more. We will give out tickets for participants to win generous door prizes.”

Community sponsors and supporters of Grace Helping Others, Inc. have stepped up to ensure no shower guest leaves empty-handed. 

“Some of our Facebook friends have donated umbrella strollers, diapers, wet wipes and other goodies,” Jones said. 

Other takeaways include postpartum kits, diaper bags donated by The Underground Railroad Ministry from Harnett County, bottles, pacifiers, birth to toddler aged toys, clothing and more.

Community and corporate sponsors will present attendees with resource information, education, gifts and support. Presenters include MAAME, Community-Rooted Maternal Health & Birth Equity; AmeriHealth Caritas NC-Medicaid Managed Care; Sampson County WIC Project; Sampson Regional Medical Center; Life Line Sampson, a pregnancy care center in Clinton; Sampson County Social Services Department; and Community Care of North Carolina, among other entities. 

Jones is excited about this year’s lineup. 

“Every year, the shower grows to be more and more,” she said. “We started out slow, but the initiative is expanding, and we are getting more and different sponsors. The community is aware of us now.”

The shower is also growing in attendance. 

“We are focused on getting 50 attendees,” Jones shared. “Individuals can register by themselves or bring a plus one. All attendees must be aged 18 and over.”

“We are here to help,” Jones continued. “I am a connector. If an expectant or new parent calls me and says, ‘I don’t have this or that,’ I will reach out to the appropriate resource to help the person and will make the connection happen.” 

Jones gave a recent example of how Grace Helping Others, Inc. networks on behalf of new moms and dads. 

“Yesterday, we had a young mother in Fayetteville who was going to be discharged from the hospital reach out to ask for help with a car seat. I reached the Cape Fear Foundation from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and was able to connect her with the social worker to get the ball rolling. She will be going home with the baby and with a car seat,” she said.

The organization’s name stems from Jones’ desire to help other people and her acknowledgment of God’s grace and mercy. 

“We try to do everything gracefully,” Jones said. 

An affiliate of Toys for Tots of the Marine Corps Reserve, Jones’ awareness of the needs of individuals and families led her to birth Grace Helping Others, Inc.

Jones explained why grace matters. 

“Change begins when people care enough to act. Every meal served, every family supported and every life touched creates a ripple of hope that strengthens entire communities. At Grace Helping Others, Inc., we believe that when service is driven by compassion, lives are truly changed.”

Volunteers are essential for fulfilling the organization’s outreach and goals. In addition to helping with the annual baby shower, Grace Helping Others, Inc. also utilizes volunteers for outreach and engagement, administrative support, media and communications, resource distribution, educational programs and other events. The nonprofit hosts at least five community-driven fundraisers each year and supports a minimum of 200 individuals and families. They provide necessities like food and clothing, offer workshops that educate, empower and inspire and assist families in building a strong, sustainable foundation for long-term success. 

Interested individuals or groups can donate monetarily year-round or bring baby shower gifts to 606 College Street, Clinton. Find out more by calling Jones at 910-224-0082 or emailing info@gracehelpingothers.org. To sign up for the baby shower, go to www.gracehelpingothers.org/event-details.sampson-county-community-baby-shower-1