'Operation Baby Shower' Drive-Thru Style

On May 27, San Clemente Area Republican Women Federated held its annual Operation Baby Shower at Camp Pendleton, the world’s largest amphibious military base which houses over 6,000 Marine families in 22 communities.  

This year, due to COVID restrictions, we had a drive-thru rather than an in-person shower for expectant military families at our adopted area, the DeLuz Community.  Just like those whose service we appreciate, we had to improvise, adapt, and overcome in order to hold this event, but we did it!

We distributed 20 layettes and over 800 diapers. One member spent over 500 hours handmaking beautiful baby quilts!  Through fundraising efforts and donations, SCARWF was able to raise money to purchase a vast supply of needed layette items. Each layette contained a crib quilt, crocheted blanket, receiving blanket, two knitted hats, baby outfit, baby wash, lotion, wipes, hooded towel, plastic bib, two pairs of booties, onesie, a toy, and a car seat blanket.  

Several winners were selected at random and awarded gift cards to Albertson’s (which partners with us when we deliver Thanksgiving meals to the community each November). We also gave each mother a special “Mommy Bag” of small items to make her feel pampered.

Next year, we hope to have our usual in-person “Operation Baby Shower,” which includes a party with food, mixer games, and an opportunity for the expectant military mothers to meet and get to know some of their neighbors on base.