COOKSTOWN, N.J. — As we get ready to celebrate our nation's freedom, the Star-Spangled Babies program is gifting new and expectant military families baby supplies.
More than a dozen baby showers have been hosted across the country so far this year. These events help relieve financial and logistical hurdles for hundreds of military families. Parents who attend receive baskets of baby essentials and self-care goody bags for Mom.
Among the bigger ticket items are cribs from Delta Children.
"Not a lot of military families can actually have baby showers because they're stationed in different locations and not near family and friends," said Rebecca Schwarzenberger, an Army recruiter and mother.
Other attendees said the showers are a big help.
"Definitely a big help," said expectant mother Lorena Calderon. "Even the bottles and little freebies they're giving — it helps a lot."
The showers are made possible through Operation Homefront.
"I think it shows how much the community cares," said Staff Sergeant Aaron Cordova with the U.S. Air Force.
Joe Shamie, President of Delta Children, said he was happy to lend a helping hand. Shamie said this year alone his company will donate about $100,000 worth of products to military families.
"If I can do the littlest thing, providing them with a safe place for children to sleep, it's a home run," he said.
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