Baby product manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada donate volumes to the nearly crippled "Stork Strasse," a huge baby shower honoring 100-plus of the Army's new and soon-to-be-moms throughout Germany. A funding shortfall left event organizers unexpectedly without shower gifts. But a near last minute e-mail to rally support saved the event which will take place at the Anderson Barracks parade field in Dexheim, Germany on Saturday, August 5th from 10am to 2pm.
Military may be a way of life. Still, deployments are challenging and can turn the daily joys of life inside-out. The same goes for pregnancy and motherhood. Combine all of the above and it can be down-right overwhelming, especially if you’re the one left alone on a base in a foreign country. To honor the sacrifice and soften the burden of more than 100 new moms and moms-to-be stationed in the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden throughout Germany, several American and Canadian companies have been brought together by the makers of the famed Miracle Blanket® to support one of the world’s largest baby showers ever. Stork Strasse, hosted by Army Community Service, takes place Saturday August 5th from 10am to 2pm at the Anderson Barracks parade field in Dexheim.
"We couldn’t imagine a more perfect opportunity for our company to show its appreciation to these families for the sacrifices they make for us every day," said Michael Gatten, owner of Oregon-based AMB Enterprises, parent company of the Miracle Blanket. "It’s an absolute honor to be blessed with the ability to offer our support for these great men and women … especially as they welcome fellow Americans into the world!"
With just weeks to go, event organizers in Dexheim found out the PX wasn’t able to fund its commitment to donate for Stork Strasse as planned. "We are absolutely floored with the support we’re receiving from back home thanks to the people behind Miracle Blanket who pulled all these donations together," said Allison Walker, Family Readiness Group Leader for the Army’s 123rd Main Support Battalion. "I was in a panic because we weren’t going to have anything to give all of these new moms. So I got on the Internet and I got lucky contacting the right company!"
Walker, who is involved in organizing the giant baby shower which will reach wives from multiple bases across Germany, said troops and their families deployed overseas are often overlooked when it comes to civilian support.
Not this time. These new and soon-to-be moms will now have plenty of baby booty to celebrate the arrival of their newborns – from Miracle Blankets and educational videos to breast pumps, belly support belts and baby slings –its all thanks to the following companies making donations:
1.Miracle Blanket – An enhanced swaddling design that
mimics the womb and triggers what appears to be a dream-
like serenity in a restless, crying baby almost
immediately. Ages zero-to-4 months. www.miracleblanket.com
2.Brainy Baby – Videos, toys and educational
products designed for infants-Pre.K that give parents the
tools to help children develop the love of learning for a
lifetime. www.brainybaby.com
3.Baby Safe Feeder – Eliminates the fear of choking with
the mesh bag feeder that holds food inside as your
baby safely chews and/or sucks. www.babysafefeeder.com
4.Medela – Harmony Breast Pumps and Maternity Support
Belts. www.medela.com
5.BabyLegs – Soft knit leggings, the hip new way to protect
your sweet baby’s legs.
www.babylegs.net
6.Baby B'Air Flight Vest – Secures lap held babies/toddlers
to your lap belt to protect against turbulence and to
keep child safely on your lap during flight. www.babybair.com
7.No Slippy Hair Clippy - Hand-made hair clips designed to
stay in even the tiniest wisp of hair. www.hairclippy.com
8.Robeez Footwear – Soft-soled leather footwear for
newborns to four year olds. Promotes the healthy
development of babies’ feet and feature an easy "slip-on,
no-slip-off" design. www.robeez.com
9.Mayawrap Padded Sling – The sling with infinite
adjustability and just a bit of poly-fleece padding in
the shoulder for comfortable wearing and carrying of
baby. www.mayawrap.com
"We are thrilled to be support our military families in this creative endeavor," said Dennis Fedoruk, Brainy Baby CEO. "We challenge more companies and communities to follow this example and support the families of our American heroes around-the-world."
Special thanks goes to BopStar Baby for help in spreading the word to manufacturers.
Event Organizer/Contact Army Base, Dexheim, Germany:
Allison Walker
BCO Family Readiness Group Leader
Office: 011496133573965
Cell: 011491751935750
Home: 011496133573965 www.wiesbaden.army.mil
