MUSCATINE, Iowa–As spring arrives, United Way of Muscatine has several events planned to get people in the giving mood. Throughout the month of April, they will hold their annual Community Baby Shower, gathering supplies to give babies in need and their families a successful year ahead. May 4, they will celebrate the Kentucky Derby a little early with the return of their Nite at the Races event.

Every month, many families in Muscatine struggle to make ends meet, making it hard for them to take care of unexpected needs their babies and young children may have. To help local service organizations provide the items that will help ease the load on young families, United Way of Muscatine will hold their annual Community Baby Shower. All through April, they will collect necessary baby and young toddler items, such as baby formula, bibs, blankets, bottles, diapers in all sizes, gentle bodywash and shampoo, onesies and sleepers, thermometers, and wipes. They will also accept monetary contributions to fill in any gaps in the donations and to purchase more expensive items, such as new car seats.

Typically, the drive brings in around 450 items, which go to the Community Diaper Bank, Lutheran Social Services in Iowa’s HOPES program, Muscatine Center for Social Action, the Muscatine Community Y, the Salvation Army of Muscatine County, and Trinity Muscatine Public Health. Anyone wanting to donate may bring items to any community groups or faith-based organizations that have put out collection bins or take them directly to United Way’s office at 615 Cedar Street Suite 200 in Muscatine (above Community Bank and Trust) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Participants in United Way of Muscatine’s 2010 Nite at the Races. Photo courtesy United Way of Muscatine.

For those wanting to get excited for the Kentucky Derby a little early and to benefit United Way’s work in Muscatine County, Nite at the Races will prove the perfect event for them. Set for May 4 at Geneva Golf and Country Club (3100 Bidwell Road in Muscatine) with a social hour beginning at 5 p.m., the evening will feature many race day favorites. Throughout the evening, people will have the opportunity to bet fun money on six recorded horse races with 12 horses in each. Prior to the event, anyone who has donated $25 for a horse sponsorship may name it, adding an extra level of fun. Along with the main event, people can participate in a derby fashion show, flaunting their most derby-worthy hats and matched outfits. A 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and a prize raffle will round out the night’s entertainments.

A night of fun for all, tickets cost $35 a piece or $300 for a table of eight, eight drink tickets, and a horse sponsorship. Anyone wanting to purchase tickets or sponsor a horse should contact Community Engagement Manager Hilary Henke by emailing her or calling her at 563-279-4237. United Way hopes the evening will bring in at least $25,000 for them to put towards educational and housing needs in Muscatine County.

With a Nite at the Races quickly approaching, Henke believes it will provide an excellent opportunity for the community join together to help those who need it. “I am always excited to see the community come together to support one another; nights like this remind me of the tremendous love and support we have in our community,” she said. “Together, we truly can make a better tomorrow for everyone.”