NICU Survival Kits: Part V
If you are newish to our blog you might wanna check out this link to catch you up on NICU Survival Kits (Parts 1-4)- you’ll get the 411 on what they are, who they go to, what’s in them, etc.
Since our last update here’s some progress that’s going on with the kits:
~There’s been talk about a possible sponsorship for a portion of the kits. (I don’t know the details, but I will fill you in as I get more specifics.)
~We’ve started working on a card to put in the kits about our personal experience.
~We’ve opened a separate account for sole use of NICU kit contents, complete with a debit card that donates to the March of Dimes every time I use it – isn’t that awesome? It looks like this:
~We received our first donation check from a blog reader.
~We’ve gotten a nice stash of homemade blankets for the kits.
~We received a few schedule books from justmultiples to try out.
~We’ve received a payment check from Adsense for hosting ads on this blog (proceeds going towards the NICU kits)
~We visited our NICU and perinatologist office around the boys birthday to thank them once again for the excellent job they did in caring for our boys. We are so grateful for the roles they played in their health and well-being. Here’s some pictures from our visit:
Henry getting a birthday hug from DeDe; She “caught” him when he was born
Dr. Sumner’s IN the choo-choo wagon – he’s still a kid at heart and we love him for it!
Sheesh! That’s more than I thought had happened in a month!
A couple of questions I need to answer…..
How do I decide who gets the kits?
My contacts so far have been either a personal connection, through friends, or through this blog. I would LOVE to make one for each multiple family/preemie that I hear about, but right now I do not have the resources (time, finances, etc.) to do so….for now I’m trying to send out at least 1 per month.
What size do I make the blankets, how do I get them to you, what should they be made out of?
I prefer 20 x 20 or close (they don’t have to be square – rectangle are fine)…a little smaller or a little larger is just dandy too! They can be yarn, fleece, or fabric. Email me at quatro_mama [at] yahoo [dot] com for my mailing address.
Are there other items that need donated?
It seriously floors me that any of you would be interested in supporting this cause any more than what you are already doing by visiting our site. You can find the contents of the kit here. I’ve got plenty of lotion and journals for now, but the other items are still needed. My next item to purchase is some storage containers, so that I can stock up and put them together more quickly/efficiently.
How can we donate, how can I sponsor a kit, will you put a donate button on the blog?
Again, blows my mind! For now, we are not adding a donate button to this site, for various reasons. We are looking into creating a 501c3 account (there’s a pretty hefty application fee)…so it may be down the road, making donations tax deductible. If you truly feel led to donate please contact me (email posted above) and I can give you our mailing address.
Please know that we package these kits not with the intention of gathering donations, but rather a way for US to give back to other families facing similar situations that we have experienced, but enjoy sharing it with you!
Once again, feel free to leave me a comment or send an email with questions, encouraging words, or suggestions. I will try my best to get back with each of you in a timely manner. Thanks for being part of the TEAM!
First, your four boys are ADORABLE! I just want to squeeze them! Second, I love your NICU kit idea and will think of how I can contribute. I really enjoy your blog and your boys! You do a great job!
Jen-
If you need legal help getting your project set up please give me a call. This is outside my area but I would be happy to help you find an attorney. Just email me if you need my phone number.
Amy Cornell
jen, you guys are awesome! i’m so glad you had a great weekend and holy COW that sign is amazing! i would be SOOOOOOO proud! (what tha heck about the cameras in a mall? crazy) love ya sista,
suz
This has nothing to do with the current post, but I thought I’d share one way I found diaper deals:
http://www.fatwallet.com and just search in the forums area, also you can sign up to get updates. Anyhow, its free and if someone finds a deal they’ll post about it. The last one I saw was at Kmart (on pampers). Generally the major brands will change packaging (amounts get smaller) seems like once a year and you can stock up. Anyhow, good luck. We’ve officially left the land of diapers except at naps and night…lovely place to be!
I stumbled onto your blog from Suz’s (even though she doesnt know me either)! I have enjoyed reading and “getting to know” your family.
I think the NICU kits are a wonderful idea and I have been thinking of ways that I could help. I am the Director of Development for the Metropolitan YMCAs of Mississippi and have a lot of nonprofit/fundraising/grant experience. I might could help if you guys are wanting to start up a 501c3. I’ve heard of some grants that allow you to get funding for all sorts of things. Anyway, you may already have someone, but if you don’t and you would like to talk please feel free to email me at acollins(at)metroymcams(dot)org.
In the meantime, thanks for the sunshine you guys provide the blogging world!
Amberly
Jen, you are so AWESOME!! I think this is such a beautiful way for you to give back. Keep up the good work and let me know if I can ever help out.
LOVE THE BOARD!!! How cool!!! I’m glad you got a couple picks!!!
XOXO
Gen
As a recipient of the NICU Survival Kit…I have to say that I LOVE you guys for doing this! It was so helpful to me during our time in the NICU.
Oh, and the picture of Sumners in the wagon with the boys is AWESOME!! I love that man!
That is a great thing to want to donate these NICU kits to families in need. But, if you are wanting to do this as a charitable thing on your family’s part by giving back then why are you asking everyone in internet land for donations? The best form of charity is done quietly, with no need getting pats on the back or asking others to donate so that your family gets credit for it.. If you wish to do a nice thing…do it…from your own heart and pocketbook. No need to beg others for help so that you can look good “giving” from your family. jeez And we will donate our money to our charities. thank you
I would like to suggest that you add gift cards to local restaurants for a nice dinner out for the new parents. I remember how nice it was to get a quiet dinner outside the hospital cafeteria when our kids were in the NICU. Let me know, I would be happy to donate some gift cards as I know how it feels to be in those very shoes. Also gift cards to Barnes and Noble help to purchase all those baby books! Oh, and how do you sign the cards in the baskets? From your family or from an organization?
Katelyn Edmunds
Seattle, WA
Just a comment to Rockets… Jen is simply opening the door for others who have asked questions about the NICU kits… and who have asked if they can be part of the process. She’s not asking you to give, and no one is making you read her blog.
Hi I am a frequent reader of your blog and your boys are just adorable. I know this sounds crazy but I would love to have a set of multiples some day. 🙂
Anyways, I just learned how to crochet a few weeks ago and have started working on my first blanket. Depending on how long it takes me to finish I would love to donate some blankets to your NICU survival kit. This is such an amazing idea! I will contact you when I finish my current blanket and get the specifics for what types/sizes are best for the kits. You are truly an inspiration!
Nikki in St. Louis, MO
I have never understood why people feel the need to leave such negative comments on someone’s blog instead of just not reading the blog! Sad really. I for one think what you are doing is awesome! With the help of people who read this blog the NICU survival kits will be able to reach so many more people than Jen could do all on her own. Jen-you have started something amazing and God is really working in this mission of yours. I would love to help more and will email you to get your address.
gosh jen…you can never win, eh? i have NO IDEA how someone could take this post and think that you are trying to “show off” about the undeniable beauty of MANY different people coming together to GIVE from their hearts to those in need. what a GIFT you have and such a PURE heart! i pity those who do not KNOW you and make ignorant assumptions…
much love! keep on rockin’! you amaze me!
I second that, Suzanne! I don’t know you personally, Jen, but your work with the NICU kits is an amazing thing- what is even more amazing is that you are sharing this great idea with others and sharing the great gift of blessing these families with others. You are a true inspiration to us moms out there!!
Jen, so glad you left a comment on our blog, lets be blog buddies! I’m so excited to read blogs of other mommas, especially a mom of precious quad boys! you are doing a wonderful job with the kits and with your boys. keep it up!
michelle in terrell, tx
I love the debit card that kicks back to March of Dimes! And you know I love the kits. I passed on the idea to my MOMs group and we’re putting it on the slate. I’m so excited! Hoping I can extend your great idea and ‘pay it forward’ as you work so hard to do!
This is such a wonderful idea!