Being a military family is not easy. You’re often on the move and away from close family. Kimberly Felshaw and her husband, a United States Marine on active duty, were living in Monarch Beach, California, when they had their first baby. It was a joyous time that they couldn’t share with their family. However, the South Shores Church community in Monarch Beach was there to host their baby shower.
The Felshaws world, however, was to come crashing down when they lost their three-week old daughter, Allysa, to a chromosomal defect known as Triscomy 13. The defect severely affects the body and the mind. The Felshaws didn’t have family around to support them through this difficult time. Once again, the church community stepped in to plan the memorial service for their baby.
Paying it forward
Kimberly was overwhelmed by the support the community gave her. It was this that inspired her to establish Operation Showers of Appreciation. The nonprofit organization, established in 2006, is devoted to assisting military families that are expectant.“I wanted to pay it forward,” says Kimberly, 37. “I wanted to give to others the same way the church had given to us.”
The organization hosts group baby showers on a large-scale for expectant military mothers. They provide much needed support and items that these moms need for their newborns.
The organization is fully reliant on volunteers and donations. OSOAmil organizes diaper programs and events as well as providing baby care packages and resources for expectant military moms. There are occasions where volunteers dip into their own pockets to ensure that the families being helped by the organization are supported.
Reaching the masses
The organization is not limited to South California. It has reached over 6,500 military families stationed all over the country.
“The best part about doing all this is seeing the surprise on the faces of the families,” says Kimberly. “At first they’re not sure. Then they get comfortable and begin to talk more. We became a community and not just a giveaway.”
Expectant mothers who want to participate in the baby showers make their applications online where they provide a wish list. Every registered family receives a big-ticket item. Each gift basket given to the families has an average value of $300.
“They try to get us as much as they can,” says Vanessa Rios, 30. “I got a breastfeeding wrap, a massage, shoes and a car seat.” Rios is currently far from her family who live in Arizona. She’s grateful to the organization for turning a difficult situation into something special.
