Jon Dowding

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Mar 12, 2025, 10:31 PM

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Updated

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The New York Islanders hosted a baby shower for 25 local military spouses and active duty moms at the UBS Arena.

Wednesday afternoon’s special celebration was filled with games and gifts any new mom could need.

Jocelyn Pannacchione, of East Moriches, is expecting her first baby in July. Her husband is in the Coast Guard and says she was so excited when she found out about the shower.

"This is our first real event for the baby,” she said. "We don't have anything for the baby yet. So this is really exciting to be able to bring home so much stuff and start our nursery."

The Islanders provided the moms with cribs, Pack n’ Plays, bouncers, diaper bags, clothes and so much more. 

Islanders community relations executive director Ann Rina says the shower is the least they can do for families who sacrifice so much for the country.

"Our military members give us so much,” she said. “They sacrifice their lives for us, and if we can do something small like hosting a shower for their family members, we're happy to do that."

Operation Shower and Ryan Tax partnered with the Islanders for the event. 

Operation Shower Chief Creative Officer Amy Belle Isle says the nonprofit started in 2007 and organizes baby showers nationwide so moms know they’re not alone.

"We're all about connection and support and joy and giving them something they may not have otherwise,” said Belle Isle. "Simply to recognize the wives and those who are often left back at home and forgotten when their spouse or partner is deployed. We also honor active duty wives as well."

Pannacchione says it’s just nice to feel the love and appreciation for service members and their families. 

"We're in another family being in the military,” said Pannacchione. “It's just so nice to feel so much love."

This is the fourth year in a row the Islanders have hosted the military baby shower.