Captain Eugene Cramer and his wife Jennifer are new to the Fayetteville, Fort Bragg area. They are expecting their third child at the end of October and can't wait to take part in what's being called a gigantic community baby shower.
"I think it's a wonderful idea. I know for most of our pregnancy, we just moved here in January, so we've had to establish ourselves and make friends and we don't have family nearby," Jennifer said.
That is why several organizations, including Fayetteville Cares, Operation Home Front and Fort Bragg's MWR are putting on "Boots and Booties" --the largest military baby shower ever at Womack Army Medical Center.
"We're going to have a big baby shower, a big party for about a thousand military families and dependents out at the Crown Coliseum," Fayetteville Cares Chairman Kirk deViere said. "And just really show our appreciation back the military families as a way of our community showing that we do care about our military."
The party takes place November 15. It's not only for expectant mothers. It's for any military family who has had a baby since May 15.
Captain Steve Taylor's wife Heather just gave birth to Grace Saturday at Womack Army Medical Center.
"I didn't know everything that a parent needs. And just once you start getting some of the things it makes you realize all the things you do need," Heather said. "So, when you get some help from people it helps."
On average about 270 babies a month are delivered. So there is a tremendous need for the baby shower.
"So what we're hoping is that we can pile these gift baskets full of little items like diapers or baby wipes or little simple items like that so people can give those simple items through some of our partners," deViere said.
The first 1,000 military families to sign-up get invitations to the event.
Registration starts at 12 p.m. October 1. Click here to register.
