SAN MARCOS -- New and expectant mothers with husbands serving overseas are getting virtual baby showers, thanks to the efforts of a local community service organization.

Since July, the Contemporary Women of North County, a San Marcos-based nonprofit women's service and social organization, has been delivering monthly gift baskets filled with homemade blankets, baby clothes, books and toys to the wives of troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The care packages are sent as part of Operation Top Knot, a national project started by a group of Soldier's Angels in 2003 to support expectant military families during an emotionally difficult time.

"The mothers and the children -- they're the forgotten ones," said Escondido resident Linda Bridges, treasurer of the women's club who oversees the project. "The gift is just a symbol. We're showing them we support them and that the sacrifices they're making for our country are appreciated."

Each month, club members collect, wrap and mail donations of homemade blankets, hats, diapers, baby shampoo, bottles, pacifiers and other small baby gifts to women locally and across the country, many of whom have no family or friends in the area.

The new mothers are nominated to receive the small baby showers, and their names and addresses are forwarded to the women's club, said Bridges. This month, the club is preparing baskets for two women in Oceanside and Fallbrook, she said.

"It's really special when we know it's going to our neighbors," said Laura Collins, president of the women's organization. "I can only imagine receiving a gift box from complete strangers. At a time when they might feel alone, this shows young mothers that there are people who care about them."

Escondido resident Sandra Teters said she is working on knitting a baby blanket colored light blue, soft green and cream to go along with this month's delivery.

"It can be used for a boy or a girl," said Teters, who works on the blanket in her spare time. "When something is homemade, it shows you really put some thought into it. It's made with love."

Teters said she hoped the gift baskets would give new mothers a boost in morale.

"I think it would be very difficult to be a young mother without your husband around," she said. "We want them to know that we're behind them and that we care."

Collins said Operation Top Knot fits in well with the goal of the nearly 30-member organization, which is to serve the community through supporting the arts, conservation efforts and women's and children's issues. Made up of what were formerly the Junior Women's clubs of San Marcos, Vista and Escondido, the Contemporary Women of North County put on signature fundraisers including a Mother's Day Tea, Night of Spirits and Breakfast with Santa.

"I just love the opportunity to be involved with a diverse group of women who are working to better the community," said Collins, an Encinitas resident. "The joy I get from giving back brings a lot to my life."

For more information on the Operation Top Knot or to donate, contact Bridges at (760) 747-6233.

The Contemporary Women of North County meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Wood House in Woodland Park, at the corner of Rock Springs Road and Woodland Parkway. Go to www.cwonc.org for more information.

- Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 761-4404 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.