February may be a short month, but it is also one of substance thanks to the Women’s Success Network and its parent organization: the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The first day of February marked the start of the Women’s Success Network’s “New Mother Collective Drive,” with donations of such items as baby formula, diapers, wipes, baby toiletries, new clothes (size newborn-4T), new baby equipment (car seats, bouncy seats, pack and plays, etc.), gift cards, handmade items (blankets, hats, toys, etc.) and items to pamper mom being accepted at a number of convenient drop-off locations.

Pictured from left: Karl Moisan, Jen Marble, Stephanie Antaya, Maureen Wojnar, Julie Tripp and Kelly Benoit prepare to accept donations at Homefield Credit Union in Grafton on February 1st as the Women’s Success Network’s month-long New Mother Collective Drive kicks off.

Homefield Credit Union is one of those and pleased to be a participating, according to President and CEO Karl Moisan and his managers and staff.

“This is our first time,” Mr. Moisan said, of the second annual event, which runs right through the 28th. But giving back is nothing new for Homefield Credit Union, whose employees engage with community through such activities as the Frosty stop with the Grafton Fire Department, the Grafton PD’s annual toy drive and night out initiatives, the UMass Cancer Walk and Family Night at the Bandstand in Milford.

This past fall, Homefield worked with the Grafton PD to collect seventy-five toys for the “fill-a-cruiser” campaign, and with the Post Office Pub to arrange for sixty meals for local senior citizens—complete with a slice of apple pie.

Homefield has been involved with the Chamber’s Women Success Network for just under a year. The New Mother Collective Drive coincides with the start of the credit union’s “twelve months of giving,” Mr. Moisan said.

Day One of the New Mother Collective Drive was also a “Rewards Day” for Homefield employees, in which they are allowed to dress down in recognition of efforts they have made in the credit union’s ongoing “quest for the best” push.

UniBank, Millbury Federal Credit Union, the Chamber and the Whitin Community Center are also all drop-off sites for the drive. Donations will be distributed to local food pantries and nonprofit community agencies serving new mothers in the Blackstone Valley.

In the case of the banks and credit unions, donations are being accepted at all branches. All of the banks and credit unions participating are active on the giving-back-to-community front.

Individuals and families that want to donate an item not listed among those that are being accepted for the New Mother Collection Drive are asked to email [email protected] or to call 508-234-9090.

Pat Hurton notes that the Women’s Success Network is always looking for new members as a way for women to expand their business opportunities through access to prominent speakers, educational workshops and networking social events.

February and March are busy months for the Blackstone Valley Chamber.

On Friday, February 10th at 10:30 a.m. there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Spicy Water Distillery at 108 Elm St. in Millbury. The new distillery specializes in creating unique handcrafted flavor experiences with such offerings as Caribbean-inspired rum, gluten-free vodka, a variety of gins and an American agave spirit.

A “Love Your Legislator” breakfast at Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon will occur, appropriately enough, on Valentine’s Day—Tuesday, February 14th—as a salute to the region’s legislative delegation. The event will give attendees a chance to ask questions about pending bills in the Massachusetts House and Senate and other action taking place on Beacon Hill.

Then on Saturday, March 25th, the Chamber’s annual Home and Community Expo returns for the twenty-third time at the Northbridge High School Field House.

Contact Rod Lee at [email protected] or 774-232-2999.