An area church is throwing a baby shower, and everyone’s invited.

Austin Church of Christ, 103 Second St. SW, kicks off a “Fill The Crib” drive Sunday. Baby items will be collected in cribs at the church all month, and donated to Rachel’s Hope after an actual baby shower — complete with games — is held at the church Feb. 28.

Rachel’s Hope of southern Minnesota provides free parenting and pregnancy crisis counseling.

One of the church’s pastors, David DeFor, said the church has given to Rachel’s Hope before, but has never held a month-long drive.

“These needs are something that are really growing and help is necessary,” DeFor said.

DeFor also said that it is important for anti-abortion advocates to help causes like these.

“From a Christian perspective, we do not think abortion is an answer,” DeFor said. “But, the church gets the criticism that we do not support abortion, and we also never help with the issue.”

DeFor said that by supporting parents and babies in need, through this drive and other efforts, the church is following through on its anti-abortion stance.

DeFor also said that as a pastor he provides post-abortion counseling.

Church-goers and the public are welcome to bring baby items to the drive, he said.

Among items being collected are onesies, clothing up to size 2T, blankets, sheets that fit cribs and single beds, diapers, diaper wipes and boots, hats, mittens and coats.

Rachel’s Hope is located at 800 W. Oakland Ave. and can be reached at 437-7595.