AT-HOME MOMS SERVE THE COMMUNITY

Of the more than 2,100
chapters of MOMS Clubs in the nation, two are in Burke. MOMS Clubs (Moms
Offering Moms Support) serve the needs of stay-at-home moms, organizing many
activities for them and their children, while fostering friendships and a sense
of belonging to the community. The first Burke MOMS Club was established in
2001 and a second club began three years later when membership became too
large. Now North-Burke MOMS club draws its membership from zip code 22015,
north of Burke Center Parkway while the South-Burke club covers zip code 22015
south of Burke Centre Parkway/Lee Chapel Road, as well as zip 22039 and all of
Fairfax Station.  Both clubs hold regular
monthly  meetings, a monthly moms night
out, play groups based on birth year and outings for moms and kids. The two
clubs jointly host a booth at the annual Burke Center Festival.

            MOMS
clubs began in 1983 when Mary James, a California stay-at-home mom wanted to
find other at-home children for her children to play with. Finding no
organization that met during the day and allowed her to bring along her baby
and preschooler, James formed MOMS Club just for at-home mothers.

            As
well as participation in social activities, club members are required to be
involved in at least two community service projects each year. Members of
Burke-North are currently completing the Christmas project to fill Christmas
stockings for the Salvation Army at 4915 Ox Road by December 9. On January 12,
2012 from 10 a.m. to noon, Burke-North will sponsor the 11th Annual
Community Preschool Fair at the Burke Fire and Rescue Station, 9501 Old Burke
Lake Road. At that event, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office will offer its
free Child ID program.

            Members
of Burke-South sponsor a family during the holidays, with meals and gifts.
Members also participate in the March for Babies walk, sponsored by the local
chapter of the March of Dimes. Laura McGuckin, president of MOMS Club,
Burke-South says, “Motherhood is so very rewarding, but it can also be crazy
and hectic. MOMS club gives members the opportunity to connect with other local
moms.”  This year, proceeds from
Burke-North will be donated to Messiah UMC’s Weekend Backpack Program for local
children who are without food. According to Burke-North club president Jaime
Racer, every week, bags of food are discreetly slipped into needy children’s
backpacks at local elementary schools so they have food to eat over the
weekend.

            The
clubs’ websites are http://burkemomsnorth.org  and https://sites.google.com/site/burkesouthmoms/home.