Katrina NICU Packages - What and How Topic

This is the current plan.

Families who have experienced the NICU sending heart and helpfulness via a NICU basket.

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!

(Anyone, if you want to expand on this by harvesting the good ideas out of the Hurricane Katrina Prayers and Action topic - just email me and I can edit this post!)

Here is a sample from LogansMom28 :

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

Others have suggested packaging in a small diaper bag (will increase cost a bit), include a journal and pen, etc.

I am trying to organize a community fundraiser for these items but I need to know where to send the items? Thanks.

Nosebite: here ya go! Hope this helps.

Send your box to:

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

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

I would suggest not washing new items; then it is clear that they are new. I believe that the families who have babies in the NICU have access to washing machines (though no storage space) as they are in a small shelter set aside for them.

I think for other families with newborns, its just better for them to know that the blankets are new than for you to wash them.

It would WONDERFUL for you to send this thoughtful donation separately (all blankets in one box, contents marked on outside), unless you are using them in your NICU baskets.

A blanket is a lovely addition and VERY MUCH needed!

Thank you!

I'm going to send the blankets in the care packages. I hated using the hosptial blankets with the ducks on them - I got so tired of seeing them!

I'm sure this is a long shot, but does anyway, does anyone know if they have cd players in the NICU there? We had them while Aidan was in the NICU and he loved listening to music, so I thought I could get cds to send too, but don't want to waste the money if they don't have them. Anyway we could find out???

Erin

I have LOTS of preemie clothes in really excellent shape no stains or anything They were my sons can I send them or no. I also have about 10 haberman bottles which are very expensive but lots of preemies use them. They were also my sons but I keep everything really nice and clean. In Ziploc bags etc. Could this stuff be usefull?
Tracey Evert

Hey folks, I know Judi will stop by when she has a second, but right now the March of Dimes is not in a position to distribute used goods. I'm not sure where you are, but it might be a good idea to check with your local Red Cross. If you are near the affected area, they might be able to accept things. But I have heard from friends volunteering in Houston that the logistics of matching physical goods with people is still very difficult and chaotic. So you might want to hold off a bit on those sorts of donations where we don't have the "direct pipeline" like we do with the family packages.

That said, keep posted here for changes!

As to the premie blankets, I'm guessing they can be included in the baskets, yes? So if you are making baskets and want to include one, that's terrific.

My husband took our box of care packages to the Post Office and was charged about $11. He expected that it would have cost more to send so he was wondering if the post office was giving discounts to people shipping boxes to the zip codes in the disaster area. He thought of this after he left the post office but next time we are there, we'll ask. I kinda doubt that there is a discount... I haven't heard news about any kind of discount. But - it sure would be nice of our Postal Service, huh?!

Lori

These 2 sisters told me they enjoyed shopping for the boxes and couldn't resist sweet little books and socks, along with the necessities. The clear box is a good idea I think. Staff won't have to open them up to see what's inside

Inside each box they placed a little card to let the recipient know they came from March of Dimes volunteers who are thinking of them at this most difficult time, and a heartfelt "God Bless You"

They did a great job!

Lori, my mom found that having a person with business rates shipping her donations cost about 40% less. Some of the UPS stores are offering that biz discount to those shipping stuff for Katrina, so maybe that's what happened. My mom says "ask, all they can do is say no!)

Linda, LOVE the pictures. Thanks so much for sharing it. You started my day off with a bang!

WoW! Look at those boxes!!! Way to go TX sisters!!! What an amazing job they did creating those great care packages.

Thanks for the useful information, Nancy, about discounts for sending boxes.

Lori

smile: Greetings everyone. My name is Kaye and I live in Florida.

I've heard so much about the March of Dime's organization, but I finally contacted my local office in Gainesville, Florida about donating some preemie items.

I had made up a box full of preemie blankets, hats, booties and burp clothes. I delivered them today and it was a great experience.

I was asked if I would mind if my items went to Baton Rouge to help with the Katrina babies. When I seen this on the news about the babies, I was wishing that I could help, but knowing that my things WILL help, give me great pleasure.

I do have a website, for those who care to look at it. Go to
www.geocities.com/mine1616/babies.html

Kaye,

Thank you so much!!! I KNOW the blankets, hats, booties and burp clothes will make such a difference to the families that will receive them!!

You have a big heart and a great talent!!

Thank you!!
Hugs!
Michele

I just realized I have 8 care packages in my garage that never got sent. Is there any need for them anywhere?

Thanks!

Donna

They still need them in Louisiana. I'm sure Judi or Liza will pipe up if I'm mistaken!