Welcoming Clark County’s Littlest Residents

What’s in our “Welcome Baby” Bags—and why we’re doing them

If you’ve had a baby recently—or are about to—you may have heard about our Welcome Baby Bags, part of a growing effort to celebrate the newest members of our Clark County community.

You might be wondering, “Why now?”

Well, here’s the thing: we’re in the middle of a baby boom, and that’s something worth recognizing. Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, we want to make sure you feel supported, seen, and connected to the resources that make Clark County a great place to raise a family.

And that includes families who’ve lived here for generations. This isn’t about moving to town—it’s about growing in town.

So, what’s in the bag?

Each Welcome Baby Bag includes a mix of practical items, community connections, and little gifts to celebrate your growing family:

• Enfamil Wonder Bag (provided by Sanford Clinic – Clark)

  • Includes formula samples

  • Diaper bag

• “This Side Up” baby T-shirt (12 months size)

  • Provided by the Clark County health nurse

• Informational Pamphlets & Contacts:

  • “Enjoy Your Baby” shaken baby syndrome awareness flyer

  • Public health nurse services contact card

  • Prairie Lakes Health Care System prenatal & parenting education pamphlet

  • Clark County Government contact sheet (courthouse, services, etc.)

  • Clark County Courier info and subscription form

  • Local 4-H information (encouraging future involvement)

• Clark Bucks – $10 gift card

  • Donated by the Clark Chamber of Commerce

• Clark County Business Directory

  • A resource for finding services, shopping, and support across the county

• Early Learning Books

  • Age-appropriate books for babies and toddlers, thoughtfully chosen by the Emil M. Larson Library to support early literacy and development

More than a bag: Personalized support

We’re also offering the Welcome Baby to Clark County Tour—a casual, family-centered walk-through of community resources. From parks to health care to Storytime at the library, the tour is built around you and your baby. You’ll get ideas, connections, and real-world tips on raising a child in our corner of South Dakota.

Want to set one up? Email us at director@chooseclarkcounty.org or text/call (605) 880-7840 and we’ll get something on the calendar that works for you.

Why we’re doing this

Because babies bring new life—and new questions.

Sometimes when you’ve lived in a place for a long time, you don’t realize how many new services, groups, or resources have popped up over the years. This project is our way of checking in, saying “we’re glad you’re here”, and making sure every young family has a strong start.

It’s a small gesture with a big goal: To make Clark County feel just a little more connected—one baby at a time.