Celebrating military moms-to-be

Having a baby is undoubtedly one of the most challenging times in any woman’s life. But for expecting military mothers whose partners are deployed overseas, preparing for a newborn holds a unique set of trials.
These brave women are often far from friends and family, and many don’t get the baby shower they deserve. Cue Operation Shower, a non-profit organization celebrating military moms-to-be with bountiful baby showers. The volunteer-led program was initiated in 2007 by LeeAnn Morrissey, who began sending boxes of goodies to expecting military wives in need of a helping hand. Since then, the growing organization has provided baby bashes for over 450 expecting military families.
Operation Shower hosts giant unit-wide celebrations for dozens of pregnant invitees. Every year, hard-working volunteers put together several of these mega-showers around the country. These events are gaining nationwide acclaim for their charitable contributions to military families. Recent showers have been hosted by an array of notable figures, including Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and Martha Stewart.
The organization provides each guest with over $1,000 in much-needed baby supplies and gifts from generous donors such as Carousel Designs. The volunteers even send gift packages—the distinctive “showers in a box”—to many military moms-to-be who can’t participate in the festivities in person.
Not only do the baby showers bestow moms with must-haves for the new baby; they also present useful health information and introduce moms to a support network. Guests have the opportunity bond with other pregnant military moms and give and receive advice and compassion for their pregnancy and beyond.
Operation Shower is always in need of volunteers. For more information and to donate to this commendable organization, visit operationshower.org.
Check out pictures from yesterday’s event in Atlanta, GA.

A mom-to-be opening her “shower in a box.”

Jonathan Hartley CEO, Allan Sicat, President, Carousel Designs