To the community,

A huge thanks to the community for providing baby toys, gift certificates and specialty items for the first baby of the year. Joshua Tapia-Hernandez, who arrived on Jan. 2, was the first baby born at Barton Birthing Center in 2014.

Joshua and his family were welcomed with over $1,200 in gifts from local businesses and community members. The gifts started with a flower arrangement from Thran’s Flowers. To get him off on the right foot, Joshua received donations from El Dorado Savings, Earth Smart Diaper Service, and Tahoe Valley Pharmacy. Toys and fun gift cards came from Big 5 Sporting Goods, Kmart, Kahle Community Center’s Two’s Day Class, Toy Maniacs, and Tot to Tot.

Special treats for the parents included gift certificates from BeautiControl, Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe, Paradise Beauty Supply, and Tahoe Nails & Spa.

The family also received restaurant certificates from Beach Hut Deli and Round Table Pizza.

Barton’s own staff added to the wagon of gifts with donations from the Auxiliary Gift Shop, foundation, human resources, and public relations.

Cathy Vogelgesang, a member of the auxiliary — Barton’s dedicated group of volunteers -– even knitted an infant-sized beanie.

We live in an incredibly generous community and appreciate all the local businesses who showed support for Barton’s first baby of 2014.

Susan McLaughlin, public relations coordinator at Barton Health