The south side of Chicago is set to host what could be its largest ever baby shower.

According to local periodical, The Southland Journal, Pastor Corey Brooks in conjunction with Project HOOD, a non-profit that he leads, will host the event at New Beginnings Church on 6620 South King Drive.

At the event, expectant mothers will receive essential baby supplies, prenatal and postnatal educational resources, and a network of support for single mothers to provide “a nurturing environment for the youngest members of the community.”

In celebration of Black motherhood, Brooks has invited individuals as well as corporations to show their support to all of the moms-to-be by donating supplies or volunteering their time.

“This event is more than just a shower; it is a gesture of compassion, unity, and hope,” Brooks said. “We believe that every child deserves a safe and loving environment, and every mother, has the resources and support to provide it. Our mission is to stand in the gap for these families, fostering a sense of community that turns challenges into opportunities.”

“We know we can’t do this alone. We need the involvement of all stakeholders, both at a local and corporate level,” he added. “Whether it’s donating baby items, volunteering time, or offering financial support, every bit helps. We are creating a village of support, and I firmly believe that together, we can make a significant difference.”

Brooks shared that the idea to host the baby shower stemmed from the increasing number of single mothers in Chicago and he wanted his organization to assist expectant mothers.

“We wanted to figure out a way to assist and give resources to a lot of these single-parent women who are in need of help with their newborns,” Brooks explained. “Eighty percent of the households in our neighborhood are single-parent households. We’re promoting life, and so what better way to do that than assist them with prenatal care?”

So far, the response has been tremendous with 800 women already signed up. Brooks is hoping to serve 1,000 expectant mothers at the event.

“I’m sure we’re going to make that,” he said.

Brooks’ baby shower spotlights the importance of healthcare for Black women during their pregnancies. A recent study revealed that Black women have the highest maternal death rate across the nation from 1999 to 2019.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, structural racism is one of the main contributing factors to the disparity.

Per the report, 80 percent of deaths were preventable.