Event to benefit expectant military couples in Las Vegas Valley

Jody Shervanick is looking to channel some baby love Nellis Air Force Base's way.

Via Operation Showers of Appreciation, a military baby shower for expectant servicewomen and their spouses, Shervanick and her team of volunteers serve as rocks for at least a day to women who may be on solo missions.

The event gives the future parents necessary items for their bundle of joy. Many of them might not get a celebration because they live away from friends and family and their spouse is deployed, said Shervanick , Centennial Hills resident and baby shower coordinator.

"For the vast majority of these ladies, this is the only baby shower they will get," she said.

About 100 mothers are scheduled to be showered with love at 1 p.m. July 30 at the Eastside Cannery , 5255 Boulder Highway.

All military branches -- active duty, reserves or National Guard -- are invited to participate. Mothers who are expecting through Oct. 31 are welcome to register.

Operation Showers of Appreciation is a large-scale initiative, helping thousands of new mothers each year.

Mother of three Sylena Aceves was helped by a Las Vegas baby shower two years ago, immediately after she gave birth to her daughter Hailey.

Aceves was discharged from the hospital and headed straight to the shower. Along with a new baby, Aceves left the shower with a laundry basket of new clothes and necessities and some handmade blankets and bibs.

"It meant a lot to that there are people that care," she said. "Deployments can be really hard, and it was something to lift our spirits a little bit."

Aceves' husband was serving in Iraq at that time.

She has now switched roles to be a volunteer for Operation Showers of Appreciation. She helps decorate and craft "diaper cake" centerpieces for the parties. Aceves also serves as one-on-one volunteer for the moms.

"I can't give each mom my individual attention," Shervanick said. "The volunteers sit with the mom, watch them open gifts, ooh and ahh and help pack up the car."

Donations will be accepted from June 23 to July 23 at the Cannery , 2121 E . Craig Road, the Eastside Cannery or the Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. The valet attendants at each location will accept the items straight from motorists' cars.

Items needed include new baby clothes, toiletries, blankets, bottles , diapers and wipes. Handmade items are welcome, too . Shervanick encouraged groups to pool resources and donate bigger-ticket items, such as car seats, portable cribs and strollers.

Each mother receives a laundry basket of items, depending on donations and need.

Shervanick said she makes many new friends from the event and feels that she becomes like an aunt to their babies. She grew up in a military family .

"Being a new mom is challenging on its own, and being in the military brings on extra stresses," Shervanick said.

To register, visit osoamil.org . For more information or to donate items or volunteer, contact Shervanick at 862-6064 or jody
shervanick@hotmail.com.

Contact Centennial and Paradise View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.