On Tuesday mornings, you can find residents of The Park at Surprise, a Koelsch community, gathered together making diaper cakes.

Yes, you read that right. Diaper cakes. The popular display at baby showers has become a go-to project for residents at the senior living community.

As part of its community outreach program, residents are making items that will benefit local organizations. So far, they’ve made about 30 diaper cakes and donated them to Choices Pregnancy Center, where women can “buy” the cakes with the credits they earn in classes. In addition to the diaper cakes, other residents take the time to knit hats and blankets for the mothers-to-be and their babies.

Betty Stone is one of the handful of women and men who get together to make the diaper cakes.

When she first heard about the project, she didn’t know what to expect since she had never seen a diaper cake.

“We have so much fun making these diaper cakes together. It really is a team effort,” said Stone, an independent living resident at The Park at Surprise. “You roll so many diapers, so when you see the final product, it is truly amazing. The diaper cakes are beautiful, and I know the women who receive them appreciate the hard work and effort we put into making them. We’re excited to continue to make the cakes, and we hope more residents get involved so we can donate more!”

The community outreach program not only supports local organizations but also encourages socialization and promotes camaraderie with residents.

“Our residents are very giving and are always looking for ways to help others,” said Becky Rahn, active living director at The Park at Surprise. “Our community outreach program has been rewarding on so many levels. The diaper cakes are just one of many projects our residents do to stay busy, and it’s wonderful that the end result benefits people living in the local area. During the holidays, we create boxes and fill them with much-needed items, such as toiletries. Each year we try to add a new organization to support, and we look forward to helping other organizations in the future.”