Pennsylvania Masons Shower Military Parents-to-Be with Support

Leandra Garcia, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force stationed in New Jersey, was excited to attend the “Help for Our Heroes” Military Baby Shower in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, in April because she wanted to meet other moms-to-be who understood the struggles of being pregnant and in the military.

She did just that and more, thanks to the event hosted by the Pennsylvania Masons and run with the help of generous volunteers. Attendees enjoyed a lunch and shower games with prizes, during which they had the opportunity to network with other military moms. They also received baby health information and numerous gifts for the first year of their child’s life.

“I was really grateful to be there, and it was nice to connect with people,” said Leandra, who was expecting a baby girl in June with her partner, Trenton.

“I got most of the items I needed for the baby at the shower. Our next purchase would have been the stroller and car seat, so I was grateful they provided us with that.”

More than 44 moms-to-be who are in the military or whose partners are in the military were treated to the baby shower, held at LuLu Shriners in Plymouth Meeting on April 12. Brenna Weick, general assignment reporter for NBC10 Philadelphia, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the baby shower. NBC also aired coverage of the event on their local newscasts.

About four hours away, just a month earlier, more than 25 moms-to-be were treated to a military baby shower in Coraopolis, east of Pittsburgh. Meghan Schiller, KDKA-TV CBS Pittsburgh news anchor and investigative reporter, was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the March 8 shower at the 171st Air Refueling Wing. That station also ran news footage from the heartwarming event.

When speaking about both baby shower events, R.W. Grand Master Larry A. Derr said:

“This is an opportunity for us to express our sincere gratitude for the service of our military members and the many sacrifices they and their families make for our freedom. Many of these couples are living apart from their families during their service, so we want to offer them the support they deserve as they prepare for their babies.”

Since 2008, Pennsylvania Masons have contributed over $1.6 million to the “Help for Our Heroes” program.