Dual-Military, Expectant Parents Grateful for Items Handed Out during Star-Spangled Babies Shower
After a devastating miscarriage, the baby boy on the way is a blessing for dual-military parents Pfc. Joyce Sanchez and Spc. Jose Alvarez, both in the Army. He also brings with him the trepidation felt by many first-time parents.
“I’m a little scared actually,” Joyce said. “When you are a first-time mom you don’t know everything or what all to buy, stuff like that.”
When she saw a social media post about an event benefiting military parents, she was quick to sign up. It was her first Operation Homefront Star-Spangled Babies Shower. Joyce was among the 31 moms served at the October 2020, event the Fayetteville, North Carolina area.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, volunteers and staff organized a drive-thru event where families picked up the varied offerings that included diapers, wipes, toys, blankets, and other baby items. For Joyce, the event has helped her stock-pile necessities for when little Ignacio is born. She thanked the donors for thinking of military families and making hers feel special.
“It was exciting,” Joyce said. “You get there and everyone is excited for you, so that makes you feel happy, like your baby is blessed. Honestly, I cried that day. The (event) made me feel like this baby is a blessing and everyone loves him and wants to take care of him—even people he didn’t know.”
Our Recurring Family Support programs are designed to help our military families so they can start strong and stay strong throughout the year.
