The Plano Area Mothers of Multiples group has been reaching out to new parents — and the community — for 15 years. Through its annual gala and silent auction fundraiser, held every February, the group has raised money for nonprofits like Collin County Children’s Advocacy, Shower of Love, Early Childhood Intervention and the Very Special Arts Fest in Plano. Polly Harrison, mom of 5-year-old twins Nicholas and Alexander and 2-year-old Zachary, lives in Wylie with her husband, Matt, and will end her one-year term as president of PAMOM in May.
"We currently have 380 honorary and dues-paying members. We average at least one social outing a week — most of them are for kids, but we have a moms’ night out at least once a month. We also have two yearly family parties — a winter party and a spring fling — and an annual family picnic. This year’s picnic was at a Frisco Roughriders game, which was attended by almost 100 people.
"New moms can get involved by coming to one of our monthly meetings. We have a large meeting with a guest speaker every month, but we hold breakout group forums before each meeting for expectant moms, new moms and toddler moms. These small groups are a great way to meet people. And moms don’t have to live in a certain area — we’ve had moms from as far away as Denton and Greenville. You just need to be the parent of multiple-birth children.
"We meet in the Medical Center of Plano’s auditorium at 7:30pm the second Tuesday of every month. The auditorium is located in Suite 315 of the medical building at the northwest corner of Coit Road and 15th Street in Plano.
"I love the camaraderie and opportunity to benefit from other moms who’ve traveled this parenting road before me. I also really appreciate the community service that PAMOM performs. Making a difference in our community as an organization sets a high service standard for our families and children.
"We have a playgroup coordinator that will put you and your children in a playgroup that is typically grouped with same-age children living in the same area of the Metroplex. This is an optional service that the group provides, but many of our moms opt to participate and end up forging long-lasting friendships. My own children have been in a playgroup since they were around a year old and even now that they’re in kindergarten, we try to get the kids together regularly on school holidays.
"I have served on the board for four years and will be ending my one-year term as president at the end of May. After that, I will serve the group as the adviser. We provide free membership to all expectant mothers and moms of new babies up to 3 months. After that, dues are $30 for the year."
