Operation Showers of Appreciation
OSOA is a 501(c)3, non-profit tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to honor our military families in a unique way by showering them with gifts for their newborn babies, providing support during difficult times, and letting them know the many sacrifices of both the families and service members are appreciated.
OSOA does this by hosting and co-hosting large scale baby showers in honor of our local military and their families. We are a volunteer and donation based organization. All proceeds are evenly dispersed at our Annual Baby Showers.
OSOA assists enlisted military families E1-E7, WO1, and O1 that are expecting new babies at our showers and offers assistance on the Command level to all other military families.
Showers are held throughout the year in support of our military and their families. OSOA assists military families from all branches of the Armed Forces to include National Guard and Active Reserve military families.
History
OSOA was established in 2006 by Kimberly Felshaw after being assisted by a local church in 2005. January 2005, the Felshaw’s were invited to attend a baby shower held by the South Shores Church located in Monarch Beach California, while her spouse served on active duty with the United States Marines. At this shower, they were assisted with everything they would need for the arrival and care for their first child Allysa. Shortly after the shower, their daughter Allysa arrived. She was six weeks early and diagnosed with a terminal disease called Trisomy 13 and lived for three short weeks. Members of the South Shores Church assisted the Felshaw’s by opening their hearts and hands to them in their time of need.
Their kindness and generosity inspired Kimberly to begin Operation Showers of Appreciation. OSOA assisted their 100th family in July 2008 and will be assisting their 200th family at their Annual Twenty-nine Palms shower in 2009.
In July 2010, OSOA expanded their services to Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport assisting 10 new and expecting military moms. This was the first annual event aboard this base and was a huge success due to donations by Lincoln Military Housing and the local Lions Club. We hope to honor more families next year aboard this base. In 2011, OSOA has plans of expanding their services reach across the country. Enabling us to assist more military families in need of our assistance. If you are a community member outside the San Diego area and are interested in bringing OSOA to your local military families, please contact us today!
