Hurricane Katrina Prayers and Action

Is there anything being done by the March of Dimes to help the famlies and babies in the NICUs in New Orleans?

From what I have heard, it is really bad down there for those preemies.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/31/katrina.hospitals/index.html

Kammie, there is now a topic here in the "Get Involved" area.

Hello all, thank you for your patience while we help the chapter office assess the situation and need and determine how we can assist.

From what we understand from the staff in Louisiana many babies from New Orleans NICU have been transported to Baton Rouge Women and Children's Hospital. In addition, all women in the area who are 34 weeks pregnant or more have been told to go to the hospitalas shelter, not to a regular shelter. These women likely will stay in the hospital until ddelivery.

You are right about the need for clothing...the need is in the NICU, the PICU, for siblings and for maternity clothes. We are coordinating with our corporate sponsors RIGHT NOW to have clothing sent overnight to our chapter office for distribution to the hospital. We expect to send TODAY hundreds of clothes for babies and moms. We also have a donation, just made from two of our vendors of hundreds of plush toys for siblings.

We are also distributing information for pregnant women in the areas hit with tips on avoiding health tips and recognizing the signs and symptoms of preterm labor.

Of course, your help is needed because you know what will help each family. HERE IS WHAT YOU COULD DO:

Make a basket geared to a family (or a mother and NICU baby) with items that meet a variety of needs: preemie clothes (onesies, hats, socks), hand sanitizer, beauty/bath items for mom, items for siblings (if you want), notebook or journal and pen for parent, bottle of water for parent, etc. Give what you believe would be helpful and package the items together so they can be handed to a mom or dad. Include a note letting them know how much you care!

Send your box to:

Capi Landrineau
Director of Program Services
March of Dimes Lousianna State Chapter
12015 Justice Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Baskets like this would be GREAT because they come from you and you know what famileis might need!

Please consider:

Families have little space (most are not in their homes) so send small items you think are important for them to have.

Sending to our chapter office helps us makes sure hosptial families get your pacakges! The hospital might receive many unmarked, unidentifiable boxes whose contents are never delivered to families.

BUT our office space in Baton Rouge is limited...and we want to be careful not to collect more donations than needed. at any one time. We will keep you posted on the need, but for now please don't urge others to send baskets!

The need may continue for the near future, so we'll definitely keep you posted.

Disasters like this often sadly have long-term implications for mothers and babies. We are already considering projects in the fall to serve families after the emergency response is complete. I'll tell you more about those as they are developed. In addition, the NICU in Baton Rouge may need additional March of Dimes help for some time and we will let you know ways you can support that.

Thank you for being there for these families, for continuing to think of them, and for your support of them.

Just wanted you to know the following:

1) March of Dimes NICU Family Support packages are being sent overnight for NICU families. These will be distributed by our program person in Baton Rouge who will be volunteering in the NICU this weekend.
2) Gymboree is sending hundreds of outfits, preemie through toddler for NICU, PICU, siblings and families being discharged.
3) Motherhood Maternity is doing the same for maternity clothes for pregnant women at the hospital in Baton Rouge and in the shelters. (There are some special shelters for pregnant women and moms with young children, and also some places set aside in the larger shelters.)
4) March of Dimes is getting health messages out to the media and the public for pregnant women and young families.
5) YOU are sending special care packages for NICU families -- remember to send to the chapter office so we can be sure your gifts are delivered to NICU families.

Thank you!!

I wanted to post a link to Robbin's blog and what her young daughter suggested... helps me realize that we all have a lot of power to help if we get creative.

Judi, is there a way to give cash donations for the NICU/Katrina work? (I worry about baskets piling up logistically). Let me know. I will blog about it on my personal blog as well. Today is a marathon blogging effort for Katrina relief.

Another thought...What about Long Distance Calling cards? Disposable cameras? Travel size hygeine items? Gifts cards to WalMart, Target or KMart? Postage stamps?

Just a thought!

Thank you, Judi!! SHARE can make a difference for these parents in a personal way!!

Thank you corporate sponsors for stepping up and helping out!! God Bless You all!!

Hugs!
Michele

Judi! Thank you *so* *so* much. I am working on getting boxes together today. I'll drop them off this weekend in Shreveport...and hopefully, you all will get them ASAP. I knew I was hanging on to those preemie/newborn clothes for a reason!

Also...I added this post to my blog about Katrina...just in case someone misses this...and sees what I said...hopefully, in a smally way...I can help with this *hugely* important effort. I know *so* many parents will *very* much want to!

Hugs and A *HUGE* thumbs up!

Melissa

here is the link to Melissa's blog post.

Going to work on packages to send to the LA MOD tomorrow! Thanks so much for this information. Do they need sibling clothing, too or does Gymboree have that covered? I want to make sure I send the right things, I want to be helpful and not create lack of space or further burden the LA office.

Since I imagine they are terribly busy... I will ask here. I can send clothes sizes 12m - 5T, if they are needed. I have already donated all Logan's baby items.

These are my thoughts:
bottles
blankets
personal care items for mothers/fathers: toothbrushes/paste, deordorant, shampoo/cond, soap, lotion, antibac products, pony tail holders
clothes for baby/mom
water bottles

Also, I am very carefully making mental notes of those compassionate corporate sponsors. I will make sure my future shopping reflects this. Motherhood and Gymboree are already big favorites of mine. Corporate sponsors of MOD like Kmart and Famous Footwear often get my business. If any of those Corporate Sponsers ever get around to reading this; thank you for your compassion. Your customers are taking note.

This is a side bar - Nancy feel free and edit this if inappropriate. Many of you know that we are a homeschool family. We are collecting educational materials (books and school supplies) for homeschool families who lost their homes along the coast. I do NOT want to distract or take away from helping the NICU babies and mothers. However, if some of you feel inclined to offer additional help and want a concrete way to do so, you can email me OFFLINE about how your unused books can help coastal families who lost their children's school books.

I haven't watched this much TV since 9/11 and the Tsunami. I can't stand what I see yet I can't pull myself away. It breaks my heart.

Darcy

My prayers go out to all these families whose lives have been thrown into turmoil because of Katrina. I know that anything we do will help someone, so Thanks MOD for acting so quickly to help these babies and their parents.

I will send my package as well. Judi, Nancy and MOD you are the best!

Please let us know what other great ideas we can do locally.....I think the educational perspective is very important, so feel free to share any book fundraising for those children who are homeschooled my way as well.

Marcie, I am so very happy that you are safe! Prayers your way for all!

Hugs,
Brenda & Benjamin

My heart and prayers go out to those along the gulf coast whose lives will never be the same again.

jennifer

Thank you ALL for your incredible response to this effort to give some help to moms and babies in Baton Rouge.

A couple of responses to your postings:

1) Please keep your packages SMALL and geared to one family at a time at this point. We need to be able to hand the package you send directly to one NICU family, any family, WITHOUT sorting and determining who needs what. THIS WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL.

2) Gymboree is overnighting children's clothes today and preemie/infant clothes tomorrow. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHILDREN'S CLOTHING TO THE MARCH OF DIMES. Red Cross and other relief agencies are more prepared to receive and distribute clothing, so please if you have clothing to donate, contact the Red Cross. If you want to put small preemie items (hats, socks, onesies) in your baskets that would be fine.

3) Small, useful items for parents and babies in NICU (your ideas for cameras, personal care items, calling cards, etc. are GREAT). Hand sanitizer would be great. PLEASE ONLY NEW ITEMS.

I know you are looking for a way to donate money to the March of Dimes for these efforts. We are looking into this, but because we are not relief agency, we are not set up to collect and disburse funds in this way. We'll let you know if we can set things up for you to target donations.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE SPECIFICALLY TO RELIEF EFFORTS, we encourage you to give to the American Red Cross or one of the other relief agencies.

Thank you!

Chrissy is helping me make baskets this evening. We're including:

onesies
baby socks
small hand sanitizer
deodriant
small hair brush (for mom)
face wipes (for mom and dad)
disposible camera
coloring book & crayons (for siblings)
notebook and pen for the parents
prepaid phone card
bottled water
and a loving note from us

Finally something Chrissy and I can do for these families. I was really feeling helpless about this until now.

Love to all,
Robbin
Will's mom (32 weeker)

Thank you ALL for your incredible response to this effort to give some help to moms and babies in Baton Rouge.

A couple of responses to your postings:

1) Please keep your packages SMALL and geared to one family at a time at this point. We need to be able to hand the package you send directly to one NICU family, any family, WITHOUT sorting and determining who needs what. THIS WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL.

2) Gymboree is overnighting children's clothes today and preemie/infant clothes tomorrow. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHILDREN'S CLOTHING TO THE MARCH OF DIMES. Red Cross and other relief agencies are more prepared to receive and distribute clothing, so please if you have clothing to donate, contact the Red Cross. If you want to put small preemie items (hats, socks, onesies) in your baskets that would be fine.

3) Small, useful items for parents and babies in NICU (your ideas for cameras, personal care items, calling cards, etc. are GREAT). Hand sanitizer would be great. PLEASE ONLY NEW ITEMS.

I know you are looking for a way to donate money to the March of Dimes for these efforts. We are looking into this, but because we are not relief agency, we are not set up to collect and disburse funds in this way. We'll let you know if we can set things up for you to target donations.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE SPECIFICALLY TO RELIEF EFFORTS, we encourage you to give to the American Red Cross or one of the other relief agencies.

Thank you!

Judi,

I've got small plastic pencil boxes to carry adult care items in....and small baby/kid items too.

I'll drop off baby clothes...baby food...diapers...etc. at Red Cross....

Thank for giving us much needed direction in this...so many people *want* to help...they just do not know how....until NOW!

Thanks!

Melissa

Thank you for giving us a way to help! I'll be working on a basket ASAP!

I just wanted you to update you on a few things for Louisiana and Mississippi.

Baton Rouge is starting to receive the donations from Motherhood Maternity and Gymboree and will continue in a couple more shipments.

We are now trying to also arrange maternity and newborn/infant clothes for Mississippi (Jackson) which has received many evacuees as well. Their need for NICU families is not a great because there are fewer babies that were sent to the hospitals there.

Our chapter in Baton Rouge is thrilled about the packages you are sending and excited to deliver them to the families at the NICU. A shelter has been established at a church neighboring the hospital -- that's where NICU families and being sheltered. Pregnant women are also going there.

We are also trying to help meet a great need for diapers, wipes and formula for other children. We're in touch with some of our corporate partners and others to see if we can help arrange donations.

One of our NICU Family Support partners, Children's Medical Ventures/Respironics is providing hundreds of premmie diapers for the NICU itself! They are awesome!

Our Texas chapter is aiding families arriving in Houston and Dallas. They were not hit by the storm itself and so are in good shape to help families and meet needs. If they need more help from us, we'll let you know.

Keep those baskets going into Louisiana -- we'll let you know if they are not needed!

For those of you wanting to donate: You can donate directly to the Louisiana or Mississippi chapter from the March of Dimes home page at www.marchofdimes.com -- you'll get the the chapter home and click "donate now." Although you cannot specify your gift for the relief efforts, both chapters are spending all their time, effort and funds on that helping families from the Hurricane. On Tuesday, we are going to have a way for you to donate to the NICU Family Support project at the hospital in Baton Rouge, but technically can't do it yet.

Okay... I'm going home now to get my NICU family baskets together for Baton Rouge. You're all my inspiration!

Judi, thanks for the update and all of the awesome information.

Also, I want to mention something...that I completely forgot about...if you have a good connection with your MOD....call them...tell them what we are doing...they may be able to help you. They may *want* to help you. Sheesh! They may be *angry* with you for keeping this fantastic way to give back under wraps! Naw, they would love you for helping ... but still, I personally found out my MOD coordinator was *very* eager to help get some things together.

Melissa

Hi SHARE-ers!

I know some of you have been watching CNN, you've seen the horror and want to help. I also know many of us have our own finances that can not be neglected. While making up packages, I tried to make a note of what it would cost for us to help. I found that I could get many items for not a lot, this may allow those of you who want to help to do so without straining your own budgets! Great news!

The whole thing ran about $13 per care package (plus shipping).
Be careful about trial sizes, I found that I was able to get full sized items for less than the trials sizes in many things (toothpaste, shampoo, antibacterial gel, etc). At the front of the store, Target has a $1 bin area that has washclothes, soaps, etc.

For that cost (~13.00), I was able to include:
slightly larger than shoe box plastic bin w/ lid (used for packing)
2 washclothes
shampoo
disposible razor
toothbrush
toothpaste
deodorant
bar of soap
pack of pony tail holders
antibacterial wipes
Purell
stationary pack of 8 paper/envelopes
disposible camera - Fujifilm 27 exp - $3.77
A ziploc baggie of Jolly Rancher candy

I can not even imagine the sense of loss and destruction down there, but I can remotely understand the displacement. We left home for the NICU without packing anything. I didn't return home for 12 weeks. Fortunately, Randy had a home to go back to to retrieve our things. The hospital didn't provide these kind of care items for us. What a difference this $13 package could make for a family, without packing too much of a punch in your own family's budget.

Hope this allows more families to help. God bless you all for your generosity. And thanks to those of you who have expressed an interest to send your kids' unused books for families there. Preemie parents are some of the most amazing, generous people I have the honor of knowing!!! Really amazing.

Thanks again Judi for letting us know of this need. Keep us posted!

Warmly,
Darcy

ps - this was cross posted to my blog as well, I apologize for the repeat, but I wanted to reach as many people as possible! TY!

AWESOME, Darcy!! Thank you so much!!!

Hugs!
Michele

Way to go SHARE community!!! And thanks, Darci, for your BLOG message which pointed me to this folder. I am so happy to finally have somewhere concrete to send items that will be useful and I think really appreciated.

Happy care-packaging-
Lori

Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every family effected by this horrific tragedy.... We too have been glue to CNN.. I cannot imagine what these families are experiencing.. The pain and despair I have seen on the faces of these people.... I have tried to image the overwhelming despair these families are experiencing ...I have tried to imagine what it felt like to know that you have been separated from your child and do not know where he/she has been taken, or what is happening to them.... The questions, despair, and panic that must be running through their minds and in their hearts.....

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM.!!!!!!!!

We are sending baskets out today to the address above.. We have made a monetary donation to the Red Cross... Judi & Nancy I will be checking this message board regularly..If you find there is additional items needed our family will help in any way we can..

Like so many here we watch the news with overwhelming heartache that leaves us with the desire to do more. To do SOMETHING!!!...ANYTHING!!!!... To offer whatever resourses within our means.. PLEASE!!!!! let me know if there is anything else I can do to help....

March of Dimes Lousianna my thoughts and prayers are with you as well knowing the tough days you have ahead..Distributing baskets, fulfiling needs, and offering needed support..
HUGE!!!!...**Hugs** to each of you!!!

God Bless
Melody

Melissa,

I heard on the news that some of the babies was taken to Texas as well.. Do you know if they are experiencing the same needs as LA.. **I would think they would be**.. If you find they are, or will be soon please post the address where I can send baskets, and parent's care packages to them as well..

Thank you!!!
God Bless
Melody

Sorry it took so long to post again. We moved back to our home town. My whole family moved into my mom's until power was on at each of our homes. Our phones are extremely limited.
    I am so touched by all that you all have done for these families. I would also suggest bottled water because it has been hard to find at times even in Baton Rouge. They have so many extra people there right now.
    Another thought - MOD might be able to see if there is a way to funnel financial help specifically to these families. Many who had good jobs and insurance may not anymore. In my family of the 6 adults, 3 are waiting to see if they have jobs.
   Nancy, glad you moved this! I even saw the head nurse of Ochsner who took care of me and my 2nd preemie on the national news. They managed to stay open the whole time.
   As I am typing this, they are showing a woman who delivered while waiting to be evacuated from the New Orleans airport!
  Well, let me go. I am blessed enough to get to sleep in my own bed tonight.

Thank you and God Bless You All for Your Efforts for these Displaced Families,
Marcie

Marcie...I am *so* glad you are safe....and starting to regain some of your normal life again...I have been following the Katrina stories very closely....my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Okay Friends!

I visited my in-law-extended family in Shreveport LA today. Took several boxes to the Red Cross there....mailed several care packages too. I've been keeping very close tabs on things in LA through family and friends. Still it is a difficult ... difficult situation...but thankfully, most of the folks in NO have finally been moved out.

Let's not forget TX either. I hear we have received most of the folks from the super dome. Gov. Perry agreed to have temporary shelter for them in Dallas, Houston..and I think now San Antonio. Lots and Lots of people! Please give to the Red Cross so TX can get much needed funds too!

Hi Again SHARE Friends,

I fill like I am working on a telethon here!

Please *Please* give something. I know MOD is not a relief agency, but a non-profit organization who collects much needed funds...for very important work.

Still, folks form MOD have pulled many wonderful people together and started groups of caring people making these much needed baskets. Baskets that will mean so much to a person who now has so little...you are not just giving a toothbrush...you are giving hope...hope that things *will* get better...along with the *much* needed knowledge that these grief stricken people have *not* been forgotten.

Darcy did a fabulous job crunching the numbers. For just $13's you have seen what you can do for 1 person. Still, if you are on a tight budget (many of us are) and you still want to help (most of us do) then a gift of $5 or $10's to the Red Cross....OR....spending $5 or $10's on a care package.... can mean *such* a difference.

I do not see this as charity. I see this as humanity. We are treating our fellow Americans with the dignity, respect, and love that we ourselves would want, had it been us facing this difficult and terrible situation. Most of us can give something...even if we just dig in our storage... for old baby/child clothes, or give that dress in our closet that we keep thinking we will fit into *one day*. We can all do something!

March of Dimes' involvement....is partly family support...thus SHARE exists...and we as American citizens can support these families too. While MOD may not be able to send large sums of money....or huge boxes of materials...they can rally the troops (as they have done) and support us as we help others.

One things I've learned is....many of the folks who work for MOD...who volunteer for MOD....are good and helpful people...and they are not afraid to help however they can when a cause arises that they feel passionate about....Thank you so much for that! You are all *such* tremendous people!

Hugs!

Melissa

Just wanted to say that whatever you do, is a great gift to someone now who has lost everything.

Judi, my package went out and should get there by Tuesday I am told (because of the holiday weekend....and that was priority mail......5 days for parcel post).

There are a lot of "Dollar" stores that you can also get great buys for your care packages to help you s-t-r-e-t-c-h that dollar!!! So I know we are all on a tight budget, and if you cannot give today......they will be needing it down the road tomorrow and the next day. And prayers are priceless!

What a great community we have here on SHARE and beautiful people at MOD! I am glad to hear that the MOD staff in those areas are safe and I will keep them in my prayers too!

Hugs to all!
Brenda

Melissa, you are so great! As a March of Dimes employee, I am so grateful to have such a passionate volunteer. You keep me excited an inspired to do more!

We are beginning to see a big increase in the number of evacuees in our town now, but there are a lot of good people like Melissa here and our LA neigbors will be treated like family.

I am amazed and thrilled with what everyone is doing. I just wanted to let everyone know what I am trying to do. Money is very tight with us and I was stressing because I didn't think I could help. My husband works for a large college bookstore and through this store is on a couple of book organization boards. I have asked him to contact the boards and try to get each bookstore to donate 5 journals each. This way, a small donation from a bunch of stores will turn into a large donation. My husband said to me, when I made the suggestion, "Do you think people would want journals?" I had to laugh, and then showed him the ones I filled. Let's hope the stores go for it.

Kathleen

Kathleen,

Journaling is therapy...and I think you are wonderful for coming up with creative ideas to help...

Melissa

Very cool to read what everyone is doing. My gut instinct is the next area for help will be in Texas where it looks like 250,000 people are now living. Boggles the mind. I'm sure we'll hear on Tuesday if there are any specific MoD needs.

I'm currently working on two volunteer online efforts to help harvest missing/found persons data that are showing up MANY places online and another site that is offering cyber-assistance for neighborhoods to set up a "virtual" place to start their geographic community rebuilding while scattered across the country. I am particularly looking out for families with newborns and NICU babies and I will point them here and to the MoD. I suspect all these little connections can weave into something important.

It is heartening to see people finding every little way they can to contribute. My mom has mobilized her baby blanket making org (http://www.sjlinus.org) even while she is on the road (don't you love the internet?) She said to tell folks here if your local hospital or shelter needs blankets for kids (all ages) they should go to the http://www.projectlinus.org website and find your local chapter and put in a request. These could probably add to the NICU baskets, combining the work of many hands!

OK, I'll stop rambling. So glad you all are here.

keep the faith!

NBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9162855/

A (non Share, non MoD) blogger knitting for babies evacuated to Houston http://www.bigpinkcookie.com/2005/09/03/katrina-knitters/

I am looking for any bootie isolet covers or hats pattern for preemise that any one may have. I am way behind on post so if you could send any info to h_gierman@yahoo.com thank you so much for your effort. It will be appreciated.

Last night on the New Orleans news, they did a piece on the preemies that were evacuated. As of last night 10 babies in Baton Rouge still had not been reunited with their parents. One of the nurses was sitting rocking the babies. You could hear the emotion in her voice. She said that they were loving them and taking care of them until their parents could get to them. I just pray those parents can get to them soon!

Take care and God Bless All Of You For Your Efforts,
Marcie

Thanks for the update, Marcie!!

Praying for those babies who still have not been reunited with their parents!! God bless those parents & all the emotions they are going through.

Thanks again for the update!!

hugs
Sharlene

That is heart breaking. Praying that all those babies still have parents who will be coming to get them. I wish I could rock them. How about everyone let's get in our virtual rockers and hold those babies close.

Hi everyone!

First off, please let me say that what you are all doing is amazing and inspiring! I have already made a monetary donation to the Red Cross, but still want to do more. I was wondering if someone can give me the addresses of the hospitals or shelters that need the care packages? I would be more than happy to make several of them to send. I just don't know where to send them! I hope this doesn't get lost in the shuffle...there have been so many replies already...If someone could please reply ASAP, I would appreciate it! Thank you so much! And everyone - keep up the AWESOME work!

Melanie Schreck

The details can be found in post #9 above. If things change, I'll make sure to post and update. Come to think of it, I should point to that post in the top of this topic!

I just got up to speed after reading everyone's posts. The families here on SHARE, once again, amaze me, but never surprise me!!

I've shopped and prepared 2 care packages to mail, with the same basics everyone else has mentioned. They will be shipped tomorrow morning. As a little personal piece I made small (about the size of a burp cloth) sheet protectors out of fleece. I had purchased the fleece to make a baby blanket for a neighbor who recently had a baby. I lined each of the boxes with the fleece and then placed the items in the small box.

As I continue to watch the media attention (did anyone see Oprah today) my heart breaks with each story. I have this overwhelming need to go there, but know that's not possible for my family. Being able to make and send these care packages has given me a sense of helping in some way.

These families will rise above what has come upon them, and they will LIVE again. They will know that there are people in this world who do care, and do want to help.

Nancy, and Judi, I ask now. Is it okay to pass along this need to our own contacts, in our local MOD offices, families, and friends? Initially we were asked to hold off on that, until a better plan was in place to handle the packages. I'm anxious to spread the word of this great need.

Thank you all for your big hearts. I'm so proud to call you all my friends!!

Karri

Hi Karri,

I caught Oprah too and it was very disturbing to see. My heart sank and I had the same feeling about wanting to run there and do something more.......but reality hit that I could only do something from the sidelines.

So Judy and Nancy, do we spread the word for more care packages.......perhaps now for Texas?

I am also so very proud to be part of SHARE and MOD!!! This is a place where BIG HEARTS gather!!! Hugs to all.

Brenda & Benjamin (34 weeker born 12/24/99 with NEC)

I received an email from Judi who asked me to pass along this information:

YES!! More NICU baskets needed in Louisiana -- Want them to be very clear with their friends though -- only new things and only stuff really for NICU families....

I'm sorry that I haven't been on Share all day to say thanks and see the amazing things you are doing. It's been a long day (and weekend) with much of the time spent on the phone with our chapter staff or for them. And so I end my "workday" coming here to get rejuvenated and inspired by you.

First, let me say, please keep sending baskets for NICU families into Louisiana; and have your friends send too! Baskets can now go to our chapters in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama. But remember that the MOST NICU babies from the Hurricane are in Louisiana and that is also the chapter that has the NICU Family Support Project to help the families in other ways as well.

Little reminders:
The baskets (or gift bags, however you put them together) should be geared to NICU families (and think of them, for the most part in shelters, with little room). Everything in the basket should be brand new and the basket should be "self-contained" so our staff can hand it to a NICU family.

Baskets should be sent to our chapter offices, not hospitals or shelters -- they won't know who they are for and might get misdelivered, which would be a shame since you are so carefully thinking about NICU family needs.

Other needs now:
In Mississippi, Texas and Baton Rouge, the need is tremendous for diapers(all sizes) and wipes; newborn and infant clothing and maternity clothes. If you send these to our chapter offices, our staff will be sure they are delivered to shelters, hospitals and other areas where pregnant women, new moms and NICU families are being housed (for example, there is a church by the Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge where only NICU families are staying while baby is in the hospital).

We are still asking for and receiving clothes from corporate partners (Gymboree, Motherhood Maternity and Children's Medical Ventures, so far), but much is needed.

If you send used clothing, please be sure that is is completely clean and in very good repair...I know we all want people to feel TOTALLY loved and cared for. And our staff cannot go through boxes -- we don't have that kind of manpower (or womanpower).

If you want to know what I think, it's that the need from you is greatest for the NICU baskets. The chapter is just begging for them (a few arrived today and they were so heartened!!). We can get other things from others -- and only you can make a NICU basket, you know? Remember that the note of comfort and support that you send with your basket might be the best thing in the basket!!

Starting tomorrow, we are putting information on our website about how to give (you can donate and we'll buy diapers instead of you having to buy them and ship them!!) and what each chapter involved is doing. This will expand over the next few weeks and evacuees are sent to more and more states. For example, 400 evacuees are on the way to Washington DC armory; our chapter is setting up a mobile "Mom and Baby Mobile" -- a medical care unit for pregnant women and newborns. Stuff is happening everywhere and we'll try to keep you posted. That goes up tomorrow afternoon.

For shipping your baskets:

Louisiana Chapter
March of Dimes
12015 Justice Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
  (225) 295-0655

March of Dimes
Texas Chapter
8131 LBJ Freeway, Suite #115
Dallas, TX 75251-1311
  (972) 669-3463

March of Dimes
Houston Division
Address: 3000 Weslayan, #100
Houston, TX, 77027
Phone: (713) 623-2020

March of Dimes
Mississippi Chapter
330 North Mart Plaza, Suite 1
Jackson, MS 39206
  (601) 362-8947

March of Dimes
Alabama Chapter
450 Century Park South, Suite 200-B
Birmingham, AL 35226
  (205) 824-0103

I've provided the phone numbers for your overnight or mail packages because sometimes its needed. Be cautious about calling the chapters (especially Louisiana) because they are so overwhelmed with things they are doing with moms and babies there. Just post here -- even when I can't get to SHARE, Nancy is letting me know if you have questions.

I know you all will be glad to know that Liza Cooper is heading to Baton Rouge tomorrow early to work with our two March of Dimes staff members who are working in the NICU Family Support project (at Baton Rouge Woman's Hospital). So you know those families are in loving hands and your baskets are going to get where they need to go! Liza will be there until Sunday at this point and then we will likely be sending other staff from elsewhere in the country who have had NICU Family Support experience.

One last word for tonight. Can I just say I love you guys? When this is over (and for most families, it will be over at some point) I will try to tell you how appreciated you are. But you have to know that in your hearts because our chapter in Louisiana may never really know which of you made baskets and sent them for families. But I know everyone of you cares and is sending prayer and warm thoughts.

I know you aren't doing it for our thanks. And that's exactly why I'm so thankful.

Judi,

Thanks so much for the update! I've put word out to some of my co-workers.....so hopefully we will get something going soon!!!

Tell Liza we are so proud of her and all the MOD staff for the endless compassion that you all extend to so many parents and babies!!! You guys are the BEST!!!!

Hugs,
Brenda

GREAT to see you, Melody!!!!

Hugs!
Michele

Judi,

Thank you for the update. Once again, MOD is doing great things, and moving mountains to help those in need!!

That's why we all love MOD!!

HUGS and prayers!
Karri

Judi,

Thanks for the update...we have been doing what we can in Texarkana. Busy - busy -Busy around here.

I just want to take this opportunity to say: It is often times the hardworking, compassionate little people that keeps this country moving in a positive direction.

It is the MOD workers who have spent tireless hours pulling together much needed aid for those Katrina left behind. Some of these workers include Judi and Nancy.....

And smaller town MOD workers like Linda.

It is the Red Cross volunteers who filter into shelters and cities where these people wait...

It is the church or private citizen in the community who opens their hearts and their wallet....and lately, even their community center.

It is the MOD family support workers, Like Liza...who leave at a moments notice because she is needed....

It is the workers for fantastic companies like Gymboree who gladly donate for this important cause.

It is people like Brenda, Darcy, Donna, Karri, Melody, and countless others who simply want to do a little bit more...when they have already done so much.

The less famous and less wealthy people of this country...the ones who live in small and large towns...the ones who live in Internet communities... .the ones who watch the news, feel their hearts hurting, and freely extend the best parts of themselves...the ones you see at the grocery store or washing their cars...

these people have come together for the purpose of helping fellow Americans....

and they have given *so* much more than the aid Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama are being sent ...

they have also given faith that tomorrow life will indeed go on...that healing can come from the love of strangers....that meaning can be placed on the seemingly simplest tasks...and that the human spirit is *so* resilient.

So thank each of you for looking into your hearts...and being the wonderful people that you always have been!

Melissa

I have sent a couple of packages and am getting the word out as best as I can.

I also called the Atlanta chapter (my chapter) and asked what we are doing for the evacuees here.

Thank you, Melissa, for you wonderful words of encouragement to everyone -- including me!

Today we are spending some time taking stock of where things are and how we can help Hurricane victims, especially pregnant women and babies over the next few months and the next YEAR. So much will be needed...

Did you know that Baton Rouge has taken in 300,000 evacuees and expects 6,000 additional births over the next three months?

Of course, there are more babies in the NICUs there now, and that number will sadly grow due to so many premature births caused by stress, infection, lack of health care because of the disaster.

Our future and long term efforts are going to be focused on those NICU families, but also on provdiing prenatal care and education and services to try to prevent some of those premature births...

Keep doing what you are doing...and we'll keep getting those baskets out into the NICUs.

If you feel the need to send baskets to chapters other than Mississippi and Louisiana, you might want to make your basket geared to the new mom with a healthy baby that she has to take home to a shelter...rather than a NICU mom.

That's becsue in the cities in Texas and other areas taking the evacuees, we migth not have the NICU Fmaily Support project or the means to be sure the basket gets to a NICU Family. If your basket is for "any family" then it can be given at shelters and in the hospitals.

If you still want to baskets for NICU families, the Baton Rouge chapter (address in previous post) will be needing them for a long time to come.

Thank you for all you are doing and for all you are.

I always believed that our Miracle Children bring more Miracles through the lives they touch.....look at all of us today........we bring

H O P E

to so many needy families. Bless you all for the big hearts you have!

Brenda & Benjamin (34 weeker born 12/24/99 with NEC)

I have always heard that everyone knows everyone by ten people.... Today I am more convinced of that than ever before....

This morning I was having a conversation with a co-worker over coffee about the Katrina tragedy.. We were discussing what we had both heard broadcast on our local radio station.. This radio station has sent a staff member to LA to report back to our community.. His report today was.... He had heard that a TV station in the baton rouge LA area has made a request for 100 female volunteers to help feed & rock the babies, and play with the small children.... We chatted about how we wish we were closer, and how as days go by the sadness and despair continues to mount....Not only in the victims of Katrina's path...But by all of us that are shocked, and saddened by the effects of the storm and the devistation it left behind.. We spoke of the basket and gift box drive the MOD has currently underway. But even participating in that I still felt there has to be something else I can do.. She told me a friend of hers was now working in LA gave me her number and said I should give her a call. That she would know if there was something else I could do..

I placed the call and found this woman to be a disaster relief coordinator in baton rouge working directly in Womans Hospital...I had a lengthy conversation with her today...She shared with me the emotion surrounding their hospital receiving these babies....How they were transported in....And the overwhelming emotion and now attachment the staff has for these babies.. We spoke of how many Preemies, Term Babies and Mothers they have admitted over the past week...The numbers was staggering.. I think about the amount of babies that was in the NICU when Jacob was there in our local hospital..There was 10-12 in each module, and that left not much room... So I can not imagine what their NICU rooms must be like for them there..Or what the staff must be going through..Not counting what the parents are going through....

And as I listened to her I could hear the compassion in this womans voice for all the women and babies there... She said she was honored to be apart of their care and to have them there.A very rewarding experience...She spoke of what a heartbreaking event this has been for these people... And that she was saddened for them and all they are enduring emotionally.... She said these women were not only tramatized by the hurricane, and the initial separation from their babies for a time... Because so many was transported without the parents.. But her heart breaks for them because not only with all of this..Many of these women have nothing...ANYTHING!!...

I explained to her I was a member of the share community with the MOD and have sent a couple gifts for the Mother's down through them and planned to send more... She said she was aware of the baskets, boxes..and they will be greatly appreciated by the Mothers.. She said the hospital was providing the necessary things that hospitals provide to a patient....But these would be so welcomed and such an awesome gift for the Mother's because it not only let these mothers know they are cared about by other mothers that have personally been through the NICU experience, but it will give them a sense of having things that belong to just them.. And not hospital items.. She said everything big or small sends a message of hope for them.. She also said they are in great need of preemie clothes, and blankets....

This woman as busy as she has to be was so calm, and caring I was so very impressed....You think about a hospital that has increased so drastically in patients, and a community nearly doubling in size that there would be some tension, or anxiety.. But she had NONE in her voice... She was so positive and upbeat.. She said they are working very hard continuing to create a very loving calm environment for all there..

I COMMEND THEM WITH ALL MY HEART!!!!!

Nancy I know you put a message about your Mother's blankets a few back and said anyone in need shoud put in a request.. Would I need to pass this information along to this coordinator...Or can I pass her information (her name and number) to you if this blanket project can help them out?.....

After speaking to her I printed the message that Judi put on earlier about more baskets needed, and took it to each person in my office... I went on and on about this cause and explained that even though they may have donated to the Red Cross they knew all our family endured with Jacob's NICU stay.. And try to imagine adding this tragedy to all that comes with the NICU... I was able to collect a fair amount of money today to be used for Baskets/Gift Bags..I do not know if I touched them or if they contributed to this to get me to be quiet and leave their office.. But either way it worked... Tomorrow I will be shopping and hopefully be able to send 15 more baskets/gift bags..I am sending these to the LA MOD location listed here...Since I am told that is where the majority of the babies have been sent.. I will continue to talk, and hopefully raise more funds to send to other locations that too are in need...

For those of you that know me..You know I have long winded posts...Well I do not just go on in posts..I actually have a T-Shirt I received as a gift a very long time ago that says "I am talking and I can't shut up"... HOPEFULLY THAT GIFT OF GAB WILL PROVE PRODUCTIVE IN THIS SITUATION!!!!!

Tabatha and I are shopping tomorrow and I will let you know what we were able to include in this batch.. AND HOW MANY.

God Bless each of you!!!!
Melody

PS: I ask her if there was any restaraunts located in or near the hospital in baton rouge she said there is a Subway very near the hospital.. Just in case anyone has thought of including food certificates in their baskets but did not know what restaraunts was available..

You are all amazing women! I am so proud to be associated with you all. More boxes are on the way and I sent an e-mail to everyone I could think of...it feels so good to do something, thank you for the opportunity!

Hugs to you all-
Jessica

I've never posted here before, so I hope this message is welcome! My son was born on 9/1/04 at 34 weeks, so I've lurked here often for information and stories.

Would it be a bad idea to pack the NICU care packages into inexpensive, small diaper bags? I've just called one of our local dollar stores and they do sell them. Would this make it easier for these new mommies and daddies to have a new diaper bag to carry their things in, rather than a box? Or is this a bad idea?

Thank you!
Dianne

Melody! You are awesome! You have been dear to my heart since your very first post....and your still are....what a treasure you are to SHARE.

Jessica and Kamie! Good job. I'll bet your gifts will bring huge smiles to the faces of these mothers.

Dianne....I think as long as the bags are small....that should be fine....they will have to carry them on their person...but I brought an overnight bag many times with me to the hospital on my way to or from overnight stays in town. Ask Judi! Judi knows everything! (Nancy knows a lot too )

Melissa

Thanks, Melissa.

Judi? Nancy? Any opinions or advice? I know the packages must be very small, due to lack of space, but I thought it might help to have something convenient to carry these things in - that a small diaper bag might be easier to carry around than a box - ??? And then the diaper bag also gives them something useful for beyond their hospital stay time - a tiny bit of something to help start over with.

Wise? Not wise? I plan to start putting some packages together today, so they can go out tomorrow morning, and I will - of course - send whatever is needed, in whatever form.

Dianne

I sent out emails to everyone I know.

The results? My mother in law sent my email to her entire school and church. Another friend sent this email out to their entire church too. I know a couple of sororities are making care packages as a community service projects.

So expect more carepackages!

Dianne, I think the diaper bag idea is great! I actually thought of doing that, too, but like you, was unsure if it would be appropriate. You have made a great point - not only will the bags come in handy now, but they'll be useful later on, too.

My packages went in the mail today. I am planning to continue to spread the word. Maybe we should all follow Melody's example and go on our own Cubicle Crusades!

Take care, everyone, and keep up the wonderful work!

Melanie

My mother in law has a good friend who is a manager at one of the local popular radio stations in Atlanta. They are going to list this information on their website!

Wow. Miss 2 days, miss a lot.

Great information propogated like wildfire! Love it!

By uniting with a common goal it also brings us (as a SHARE community but also as a nation) together and moving forward. One of the greatest causes of depression is a sense of hopelessness; that all is out of our control and we can do nothing to change it.

Sometimes, being a volunteer and helping out another person is just as much about *us* as it is *them*. By knowing that we can provide a few simple gestures for another person gives us hope that we can change things.

We can't control mother nature. We can't control broken levees, but we can control how we react to them.

We can take control of how we feel about the situation. When we have a goal it gives us purpose to continue making changes. No longer do we feel helpless, hopeless and out of control. So I recommend this as much for YOU as for the NICU family to take on just ONE basket. See how you feel when it's done. A little ray of sunshine starts to poke out behind the storm clouds. A little bit of hope that lives will return to normal shines through. Finally, a positive association can be found amid the wreck.

OK, so it may be a bit of a selfish twist on helping others. Humans are, by nature, programmed to take care of themselves, and keep themselves happy. But in this case... caring for others helps you take care of your emotional needs. It's a win-win situation. These parents so deperately need a sense of normalcy and a feeling of being taken care of during great need and we so desperately want to NOT feel powerless during a time of national disaster.

So, take this twist.... go help others. You'll be glad you did.

Great rant, Darcy! I love it!

I'm thinking it might help jumpstart us to see some of the real good!

Yay Darcy....you were a cheerleader in school, weren't you!

Hugs for bringing this into great focus.

Melissa

These days I'm finding it hard to say "thank you" without saying "could you do one more more thing?" So consider yourself warned!

First, go right to our home page -- right now! -- and see some of the things March of Dimes is doing. http://www.marchofdimes.com/

You on share know we've been busy helping moms and babies in the affected areas -- but we REALLY need the rest of the world to know too. We are starting a $5 million campaign just to help these "hurricane families" right now and over the next year and even longer -- as long as they are in "temporary" shelter and homes and as long as they need us!

So, tell your friends and family and coworkers that if they want to give to help NICU babies and families, to help pregnant women get care, to help new moms and dads who -- thank God -- have healthy babies in the midst of this mess...they can go right to our home page and give the March of Dimes Hurricane Assistance Fund.

I you all get some major credit for this whole thing...becasue you are the ones who said "what can we do" "how can March of Dimes help" THAT's what got the wheels rolling to have a way to give -- either to this new national fund where the money will go to the area of greatest need at a given time -- or directly to the chapter of your choice.

And now a word about the baskets...

The need for special baskets for NICU families in Baton Rouge is going to continue for a while. Unfortunately we know that even more premature babies will be born because of this disaster. So if you want to prepare baskets for NICU Families, you can keep doing that...honestly, if we start having more baskets at that chapter than we can distribute I'll let you know. But for now, keep them coming.

I want to reiterate a suggestion I made earlier: the NICU family baskets are so special coming FROM and family who understands the NICU -- so I'm still thinking its better to keep those baskets being made by you and your close friends (whom you guide) and your local preemie support groups and so on.

But, of course, word's out about the baskets and many babies are being born healthy and being discharged from the hospital to shelters with their families who have nothing.

So, in a bit of a careful way, I'd like to "roll out" your baskets in this bigger way -- baskets useful for all families, that could be put together by anyone with a list?

These baskets would go to a number of sites (Mississippi, Texas, and other places where large numbers of people have been evacuated) and the NICU baskets would be concentrated on Baton Rouge for now.

I have few reservations about it getting "too big" -- we are not a relief agency and we don't have much means to open and sort and check items. And once we publicize it to the "public" -- that is, beyond your friends and family and coworkers, then it gets pretty hard to be sure we don't get inundated with items that are not appropriate or thoughtful.

Can you help me with this? Give me your thoughts? And if you think we should try to get the word out more about the baskets, would someone like to put together a list of items to include?

Should we be working harder to promote giving at the website so we can buy supplies to give to families rather than involving the "public" in baskets?

And, Dianne, I think the diaper bag is an EXCELLENT idea. It's very thoughtful and I realize we can't do it for too many baskets, as it far exceeds the $13 version (incredible!). Any other ideas like that?

And last question, for the "administrators" among you -- is there any EASY way for people to share with me or as a post or something when they've sent a basket and where they sent it? I know this is crazy, but it would help our organization to know. After a couple of weeks, I can ask the chapters to keep track on the receiving end, but for right now, that is very hard for them. Any ideas for this would be very welcome. Nancy?

In other news...Liza's in New Orleans -- she spent last evening in the NICU contacting families (and there are many) whose baby is in the NICU in Baton Rouge, but the family was evacuated to another city. It just breaks your heart. Watch for her Blogs which she's going to start tonight.

I'm going to say good night -- and visit my family for a little while.

Judi,

I would like to offer a suggestion. A while back I began a NICU welcome/grief basket project. (which now also includes bed rest) currently, I have been given a grant to use locally on this project. However, I have also distributed these baskets to Louisiana just a month ago.

This project has 2 components....educational and family support. Brochures and toiletries etc. are included in each box....geared specifically toward the category of box it is....

Because I wrote a grant proposal for these baskets...I have an entire budget figured out...including the cost per type of basket.

Other SHARE members have started doing these kinds of baskets too. In fact, SHARE members helped me decided what to put in these baskets.

It is my hope, that one day.....we will make this a national project. Right now...we are doing this one city at a time. Creating pilot projects...etc.

That being said....these baskets really can now temporarily fall under relief. So, under this sites get involved heading...you can find a list of items included in the past....AND if you like...I can send you a copy of the budget I worked on....

Maybe this will help....maybe not...just let me know.

Melissa

Judy - Thanks for reminding us that NICUs will be affected by Katrina for quite some time. Certainly, the incredible stress, the lack of sanitary conditions, and eating little to nothing will take its toll on some pregnant women and their babies. Also, I live in upstate NY.... seemingly a long way from hurricane country but we do sometimes experience the lingering remnants of Florida hurricanes in the form of strong winds, heavy rain. Last year when Florida was hit by 4 hurricanes, there was an increase in premature births here and some health care providers believe it was due to the radical shift in barometric pressure. A local news station covered this phenomenon. So... I guess my point is that we need to keep sending those packages for the current and future NICU babies affected by Katrina!

Lori

Great thoughts there. Really good things to think about.

I didn't take pictures (surprising for me, I take photos of EVERYTHING!)... but in my blog is a list of everything I included. The most expensive thing in the basket is the camera and it is only $3.77 (Fujifilm and Target). However, I think it is one of the most important things in there - though I am a scrapbook fanatic and treasure every photo I have.

I really wish I could have included a journal and pen. I did put in a stationary set, but the journals are expensive in masse. I know how theraputic writing can be.

My hope was to keep the baskets under $15/each so I could afford to send a few. Another option is to send fewer baskets but include more in them. It was a heartwrenching decision... I ultimately went for quantity over quality, hoping to provide at least a little something for more people. If this starts to get "big" I would start asking for more inclusive baskets and expect fewer from each household. (ie: please send 2 $20 baskets rather than 3 $13 baskets)

Thoughts on that, Judi?

Melissa has a great list of things she includes in her baskets and I referred to it when making my own. I also included a letter of support and condolences as well as directions on how to find SHARE when they eventually get internet access. I pray they can find a whole crowd of cheerleaders here at SHARE.

Judi, more can be done. We can get the word out. I understand there isn't the staff to handle this. Volunteers are falling over themselves wanting to help. If the word gets out that we need manpower in MS or TX to distribute baskets, people will come. I understand it is harder to get people to help in LA. If they get to Baton Rouge to volunteer are there hotels available? Will they be able to get groceries and such? If so, people will come.

I hope we can reach a lot of families. I wish we could reach them all... until then, one basket at a time... I'll keep sending a couple each month until you tell us to stop and I'll keep rallying my forces.

-D

Hey you beautiful people, I think it is time to open a topic JUST ABOUT the baskets. Or maybe two

1. To talk about what needs to be in the baskets, ideas, creative approaches, expanding to non nicu families ect.

2. To track - post only in this one if you have made and sent a basket so we can track.

I hope I'm making sense. It's late! Grin. I'm going to take the risk and go open them. Then you brilliant ones will get it rocking and rolling!

Much fun and very rewarding what a wondeful project.....We have shopped and have chosen a nylon bag (it looks like a cross between a diaper bag and a tote bag)..We chose black thinking it would be less likely to show dirt and wear from being carried around as bags are..

We did 1/2 of the bags tonight for preemie boys and parents and the other 1/2 for preemie girls and their parents...

Each bag is filled with the following:

1 Full size Bottle Shampoo
1 Full Size Bottle Conditioner
1 Full Size Womens Deoderant
1 Full Size Mens Deoderant
1 Full Size Shaving Gel
2 Mens Disposable Razors
2 Womens Disposable Razors
1 Full Size Bar Bath Soap
Pony Tail Holders
1 Hair Brush
1 Comb
2 Toothbrushes (1 Pink/1Blue)
1 Full Size Toothpaste
1 Full Size Package Femine Pads
Hand Sanitizer
1 Journal
1 Ink Pen
1 Disposable Camera
1 Sm Pk Gum
1 Sm Pk Candy
1 New Preemie Outfit with socks and hat...Pink for girls bags and blue for boys bags...
1 New Baby Wash Cloth
1 Blanket
1 New Small Stuffed Teddy bear with angel wings
Along with a small homemade book we created the pages on our computer folded them in book form, hole punched and bound with satin ribbon...each is just a few short pages..

Page 1: Congrats on the birth of their baby and where the bag is being sent from
Page 2: Inspirational Messages
Page 3: A little bit about Jacob to let them know we have traveled the NICU road...
Page 3: Info on MOD and the web address to share
Page 4: A Poem
Page 5: Is just a lined page and has Name/Address/Phone repeated with blanks lines down the page so they will have an extra space if needed to keep important phone numbers they aquire along their journey...

For those at the MOD to be able to distinguish Boys Bags from Girls Bags upon receipt...We have tied Pink Curling Ribbon on the Girl's bags and Blue on the Boys on the strap.....

The total cost of each including the cost of the bag was $25.48..We put together 10 tonight and they are ready to mail.. They will be mailed UPS to the Baton Rouge LA address..We will be shipping 8 to 10 more over the next couple days or by the first of next week at latest....If the next batch should go to another location besides Baton Rouge please let me know...

Nancy, Judi, or Staff if there is a problem with anything listed here please let me know..So we can make changes for the next ones...And Nancy you ask about pictures...Here is a couple of the ones that are ready to send..The first one shows the contents that is in each bag *This picture is of a girls bag.*..and the other picture is what the bag itself looks like over Tabatha's shoulder..To give you a better idea of the bag we selected..I hope this is what you had in mind....

God Bless
Melody

Just wanted to let you know that I've emailed a bunch of people and will be gathering stuff to send, hopefully by the middle of next week. I wanted to give everyone enough time to get things together. I know my message has been forwared onto at least one church group and possibly another! Can't wait to get these in the mail!

Erin
mom to Aidan James, 12/29/04, 30 weeker due to Pre-E
 

Melody! Holy Toledo!!! What an incredible carepackage!! You put such thought into these and it will be apparent to the PoPs who get them. I'm tempted to say that my little packages seem so measly but .... I am a strong believer that every little thing helps. But YOUR care package.... oh my!! Nice work!!

Lori

I agree with Lori...oh my!! I haven't sent my off yet, because I still have to get one more thing for it, but mine is pale in comparison to yours. But like Lori said, every little thing helps!!

Everyone who sends anything to these families is helping those who have nothing. The way I look at it, they lost everything they own, we are sending care packages to give them the things they need right away & a little sense that others care & we at Share are praying for them & helping any way we can. I love this site, the people here never cease to amaze me!!

Hugs to all!!

Sharlene

You are both correct everything is helping someone that has nothing...... Everything will be welcome and appreciated by the Mom's and Dad's that receive a package regardless of the content..

Lori. I am sure there will NOT be one of your packages received by a Mommie that will appear measly to them.. Be proud of what you are doing ...I know I am proud to see so many here anxiously getting involved...

In reading through these posts these bags/baskets go far greater than just filling their necessary personal hygiene needs... The message they are receiving far outweighs what is in them... The Message that there are many many here with them in spirit... They are not traveling this Journey alone .. I believe these bags/baskets will be received as a message of Love, Compassion and HOPE!!!...

Everyone here should be very proud of themselves for all they are doing... Each has shown tremendous love and support ...And too I know that we would have welcomed anything from someone that has been there (The NICU JOURNEY) and accepted it with a warm heart to be thought of by someone that could relate to the road we were traveling.....

Keep up the good work ladies and know that WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE 1 BAG OR BASKET AT A TIME...

Hugs to each of you
God Bless
Melody

Hey everyone. If you want a little bit of a lift, visit this link below and see the wonderful picture. Just a little bit of proof that things ARE looking up for the parents of preemies down south.

http://people.aol.com/people/galleries/0,19884,1102807_8,00.html

Melanie

Thanks Melanie, they are beautiful!! Thanks for that uplifting photo, that mom and babies are finally reunited. How heartwrenching that had to be for her to not know where they were.

I heard on the news last night that one of the family's in LA evacuated when told so because mom was 9 months pregnant, and they headed here to Hampton Roads, Virginia, because her parents are here. Well, we have a new hurricane baby here in Hampton Roads as of yesterday, her name is Chelsea Page & they showed her last night on the news & she is beautiful. Dad is going down this or next week to see the damage to the house, they were told it hadn't been completely destroyed, so we'll see.

Ya for moms who listen to evacuation warnings & head north to safety to have a baby here with us!! Yep, she'll be spoiled by this community, no doubt!!

Just a little uplift to all of your heroic efforts!!

hugs
Sharlene

What beautiful bundles of joy! Look how huge those outfits look on the girls! tee hee. What a relief it must have been to be reunited. I just can't imagine being post-pardum, having twins, having to leave them to evacuate, then not knowing their day-by-day. What faith that takes! God bless them. That picture just oozes relief, happiness and 'the way it oughta be'!

Hi, everyone: This is Pam with the March of Dimes. Words are inadequate to say how generous and wonderful you all are. You guys see a need, figure out what it takes, and "Just Do It." All of us here at the March of Dimes are so very grateful, as I am sure all the families are who are benefiting from your generosity.

While you guys have been packing boxes, I've been working with our communications and medical staff to provide health information in print and on the Web. If you want to take a look, please go to this Web screen: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_16943.asp. If you have any suggestions about how we can improve this page, please let me know.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

CNN just reported that the last baby in Baton Rouge was reunited with their family!

I can't tell you how much it means to me to see all the awesome help flowing to my neighbors. This area is going to have a long and hard recovery; you have eased the road of these parents with items of comfort and words of support. Right now items of comfort and words of support are getting everyone in this area through. The communities are banding together (which they don't always show on the news), but we are also relying on the generosity of others. You ladies are truly wonderful and caring. May God Bless You for Your Extreme Kindness in helping these parents during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Marcie

Every time I log onto SHARE, my cup overflows with emotion. MOD/SHARE's response has been tremendous. Words can hardly express how secure and joyous I feel living in a world inhabited by people like Melody, Lori, Kamis' Mommy, Marci, Pam....and all of the wonderful people who responded with open hearts and gift bearing hands.

Astounded. Humbled. Uplifted. This is how I feel when I read your posts, and know that it is and will continue to be people like you who will fullfill the needs of humanity during crisis.

Judi, Liza, Capi, and the other big hearted folks in Baton Rouge....thanks so much for playing in a crowded shelter with giggling children...and for understanding how powerful a teddy bear in a business suite can be to a small voice in the crowd.

Hugs!

Melissa

Just wanted to say what wonderful HOPE we can bring to these families. One basket brings one family to life again. No gift is too small or too large.

I've e-mailed some of my closest friends with the list of items so well thought of here on SHARE and asked them to send one basket. I also directed them to the SHARE site as well. I've asked them to identify it with a label that says something that identifies them to a SHARE parent.....like my name or Benjamin's so MOD knows where it is coming from as well and to follow up with me. It's a small start to a great outcome! And I will be greatful for whatever they can do........prayers as well!

Thanks for the wonderful ideas for these packages and the big hearts that go into them!

Hugs to all,
Brenda & Benjamin

I got some really nice fleece receiving blanets from Walmart and they are only $1 each! I bought a bunch last year for Aidan and they were really nice to have. Anyway, I know we should only send new stuff, but I was thinking - should I wash the blankets in Dreft and then send them? I just don't know if they will have access to washing machines and I always washed Aidan's stuff first..... but then they might think they were used....

Your thoughts on this???

Erin

Erin - I think that if you wash them you could attach a note letting the recipient know that the blanket is brand new and washed in Dreft. That would be appreciated, I'm sure. I'll have to check out WalMart... these sound like great blankets for care packages.

Lori

My heart is so full of thanks for all you, it's hard to express it. Besides that, you express appreciation to each other so beautifully...what a group you are and how lucky I am to have a job that has introduced me to you and the depth of your kindness and generosity.

Just a few responses to your comments, ideas and questions!!

1) LogansMom, who is concerned that we might not have enough volunteers to distribute baskets. I know I gave you this idea, so I have to backtrack and correct...our chapter in Baton Rouge and chapters in other states with evacuees are well set to distribute the baskets you are sending for NICU families and baskets for families with healthy newborns. DO NOT WORRY, they are not piling up anywhere -- they are getting right out to the families!

What we cannot do is receive assorted boxes of clothing and supplies for families. Its not so much for lack of volunteers, as it is because we are not a relief agency...we are not set up for this type of work, we don't own trucks and warehouses! So we have to be careful to do what the March of Dimes does best -- and leave the more general relief work to the relief agencies. Does that make sense?

One thing we are doing that is unusual for us, but needed in this situation is finding out about specific needs of sheltered families and hospitals and purchasing items to meet those needs very directly. For example, our Louisiana chapter just bought and delivered 6 portable cribs to a well-baby nursery in a hospital in Shreveport. While its not the NICU, the hospital didn't have enough beds for the babies. I have to honestly say that it is hard to do this type of thing with donated goods because we find the need in the morning and need to meet the need in the afternoon.

If you want to do more than the baskets (which is a major support as it is), I really suggest you donate used items or assorted boxes to the Red Cross or to Salvation Army.

OR go to the March of Dimes website and make a donation to the new Hurricane Assistance Fund. (or the donate now button on the front page of Share) In the next few weeks, our chapters will need the money to purchase items that are needed by evacuee families.

2) "abears" noted that the last baby in the Baton Rouge NICU was reunited with family, according to story in CNN. I don't know the exact facts, but I do know that although all families may be "reunited" in terms of moms and dads knowing where their babies are, there are still families who are separated from their babies. Liza was calling families late last week to talk to them about their babies and moms and dads were in Ohio, Arizona, Texas and other places far removed physically from their babies. Please continue to hold these moms, dads and babies in your hearts as our NICU Support staff there works to keep communications open. I'll ask Liza to get us up to date in her blog...

3) Pam Harper at the March of Dimes gave you a great link to our website information for pregnant women and new moms. I want to take that a step further. If you have the resources, would you please print that web page of information and include it in your NICU family baskets or baskets fro families of healthy babies. Wouldn't it be great if you can help us deliver the health information too?? (In many cases, the chapter will put health information with your basket when they deliver it, but sometimes this might not be possible, or the materials might get separated and so on; if it's in your basket, it's just one more way to be sure...).

Melissa, yes the grant you have for making baskets for families is a real fit with this!! And this situation makes it clear that we could be doing baskets nationwide for all our NICU Family Support projects, year-round. After this emergency effort settles down just a little bit, let's have a big talk and figure out how to make this work. I know you want to roll this out in a bigger way!

Everyone, be sure to check out Liza's blog to keep up to date on what's happening in Louisiana.

Also if your state is doing anything special for evacuees, you'll find out by going to the March of Dimes home page www.marchofdimes.com -- you'll see a link to what local chapters are doing. This will be updated beginning next week.

Thanks everyone for everything!!

I should have included this link in my last post. If you want to put the health information into the NICU family baskets or well-baby baskets, you can print it from this web page.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_16943.asp

Judi,

I did not know if you or someone else were or were not sorting through each bag/basket/box that is sent to see if MOD info is included in them or not?...Even though I did not include this page in my packages that have already been sent. I did included information on *Share* their Web address and what this site is about, as well as directing them to MOD website for info..

We have 25 more bags near ready to send. I have to work late tomorrow..So I am hoping to get them sent by Tuesday... I will be sure to include that page in the next ones.. I do need to know if these 25 should all be sent to Baton Rouge...Or should I devide them and send part of them to other locations as well?..We will continue putting these together and sending them as long as we can...

Thank you for all you are doing!!!!!......I am sure your days have been very tiring, but very rewarding....

God Bless
Melody

Just a quick post to say that we aren't going through the SHARE baskets -- that's really why we need your baskets to be "self-contained" -- we just don't have folks to do that -- what we are doing is adding health information, but if you put in the health piece from the web, we won't-- and if two pieces get in that basket, we think that's okay -- it's better than missing someone!

And GREAT idea to put in the SHARE info -- they might not be able to use it now, but they'll be able to use it later!

Just a note about the blankets: I washed and dried the blankets I sent to each location. For the same reasons stated above. I always wash clothes and blankets before I let my kids wear/use them.

I also included info on the SHARE site, but not the health info in the packages.

I hope to be able to get some more out after the 15th!
Darcy

Our first three care packages will go out tomorrow. We bought small insulated diaper bags and stuffed them with the following:

1 full-size bottle of shampoo/conditioner combo
1 disposable razor
1 adult-size washcloth
1 full-size deodorant
1 full-size hand sanitizer
1 full-size toothpaste
1 toothbrush
1 full-size bar bath soap
1 small memo pad
1 pen
1 disposable camera (Fuji 27 exp.)
1 baby blanket
2 baby washclothes
1 preemie outfit
baggie of hard candy, mint Lifesavers, and small pack of gum
personal note
MoD health information printed from site

They would have gone out today, but I'm holding off one more day to wash everything. I always wash all of Liam's new things, too, but wasn't sure if I should do that with these things until you all mentioned it here. Thank you!

Dianne

Joseph and I have a long weekend this week and we were wondering if perhaps any hospitals needed volunteers? We can fly anywhere for about 75 bucks each, and we would leave on Thurs. and come back Sun. We really feel like we are lacking in the help Katrina efforts, we have donated money, food, and time loading trucks. But when we heard that hospitals are asking for more volunteers, we thought this might be where we could step up for a few days. Since all of you seemed very informed in this movement we thought you might know if there are any hospitals that need help still. Please just let us know. We just need to know by tom, so we can post ourselves on one of these flights. You all are amazing women!
God Bless
Allie

My boyfriend just found out yesterday that his paramedic crew is being sent to either New Orleans or Biloxi in a week. My sister and I are rounding up as much as we can to send off with them for babies and mommies in those areas. He said he will be there for around 20 days (that's what their team committed to).... I am really sad to see him go for that long but I know it's for a good cause... Hopefully what we send will help some families in need. The company I work for is also having a big food, clothing and cash drive. We will send off everything turned in on Friday. I think it is wonderful to read about how much everyone is helping out. I think this crisis has humbled all of the United States... and really created some heros and proved the strength of the people even when the government fails. My prayers go out to all those that have lost everything including loved ones in this tragedy.

Hello SHARE members

My name is Susan Clifford and I work with Judi and Liza at the national office. I just received a request from our Houston, TX office for 50 gift baskets. Some of the baskets will be given to efamilies whose babies are in the NICU and some will be given to families with infants who are still staying in shelters. The mailing address is:

March of Dimes

Attn: Amye Wesbter

3000 Weslayan, #100

Houston, TX 77027

713-623-2020

As requested, please post to SHARE when you have sent baskets to the division so we can keep track. THANK YOU all for your generosity.

My thanks to Susan for letting everyone know about the need in Houston. The need in Texas is certainly great and our chapters are working hard their to get help the pregnant women and to families of newborns.

For both Texas and Mississippi, the baskets should primarily be for ANY family with a newborn. There are fewer evacuated babies in the NICUs in Texas and Mississippi -- that concentration is still in Baton Rouge. It would be great if your baskets could be given to any family, or if a few folks could "raise their hand" for sending NICU family baskets and then anyone else can send "any family baskets."

Mississippi is still in great need, and is delivering the "any family" baskets to families hard hit along the coast.

Thank you all so much for these incredible gifts for the families!

What would you recommend for the "any family" baskets? Should we concentrate more on personal hygiene items or on baby items? What kind of baby items are most needed right now - clothes and blankets? Are there any other items that might be helpful that none of us have listed? Should we assume there are siblings and include small items for them too, or just concentrate on parents and one baby?

Thank you!
Dianne

Hi Dianne

I think the items you listed in your previous post are perfect for all families, with the exception of the preemie clothing. Again, please don't feel like you need to put all the items in every basket. We are cognisant of cost and the families are just so grateful to have supplies. You are very sweet to think of including a small toy - and I think that is fine. My sense is that if a family gets a basket and they have no need for the toy, that they will pass it on to a child in the shelter. THANK YOU again for everything you are doing!