USO Hawaii Hosts Virtual Special Delivery

For the 6th year, USO Hawaii has brought Special Delivery to the Military Moms of Oahu. In 2020, the USO adapted the Baby Shower event to a virtual program. In partnership with Heidi Murkoff, author of the book series What to Expect When You’re Expecting, founder of the What to Expect Project, the creator of WhatToExpect.com and the What to Expect app, USO Hawaii hosted two virtual baby showers for Military Moms.

Mothers and new Mothers participated in baby shower games to win essential baby items such as car seats and strollers, donated by Target, and the coveted USO onesie. Heidi Murkoff generously donated each participant a copy of her latest book in the What to Expect series, providing each Mom with a signed nameplate and book dedication. All participants had the opportunity to be photographed with Heidi to commemorate the Special Delivery Event!

Heidi led a candid question and answer session advising Moms with helpful tips on introducing an older sibling to the new baby, choosing the appropriate resources for nursing or bottle-feeding, and how essential it is to have a well-stocked hospital bag. Participants commented that they were very grateful for the opportunity to attend the virtual baby shower because many could not celebrate this milestone with family and friends due to the restrictions associated with CV19. One Army spouse tearfully shared that she was heartbroken at having to cancel her baby shower because of another stay at home order enacted by the state. By participating in the virtual shower, she felt a connection to the other moms she interacted with and expressed how participating in the event helped her feel happy and supported.

A Reunion shower is scheduled for the Pacific region in October to connect the Military Moms that previously attended showers and would like to continue the friendships they have made, especially with Heidi!