'GIVING BACK'

I contacted my local MoD office and asked what I could do to help with Walkamerica. They had me co-chair the Family Team tent with another mom.

While at the Walk, we had the chance to meet other families who also want to get involved as a Mission family but didn't know where to start.

We all discussed the possibility of getting together once a month and working on projects that would help out the families who currently have a child in NICU or who have recently lost a child.

We tossed around several ideas such as gift baskets, inspirational photo cards, blankets, etc. We are all very excited to get together and put our ideas into action.

We are still hoping to get some ideas that have been successful for others. If anyone has any, please pass them on!

Thanks,
Karen

I think it's great that you got to work in the family team tent. I didn't even get to step into ours this year since I was prepping our video in the memory lane building. My sister did though and they made quilt blocks with puff paint and I can't wait to see the quilt. We had over 70 family teams this year and the tent was so packed.

My sister and I are both on the Mission Family Committee and it's so much fun to meet and get to know these other families. I think the best thing is that by getting together more often we are able to keep family teams active with the March of Dimes and keep them excited about next years walk.

One thing we are trying to do is raise money for a digital camera and photo printer for our NICU... So many families don't have a camera and maybe then they could email photos to parents that are not able to stay in town with their babies each day.

That is so true Krystal. I think a lot of people who want to volunteer feel kind of lost after Walk season ends. That is why we are going to hold monthly mission family meetings. Hopefully, we can come up with some really good ideas for fundraising and also to help support the families currently in NICU.

I love your idea about the camera. I hope it becomes a reality.

Karen

Denise and I co-chaired the Family Teams committee this year, too. Well.... won't say I connected with many parents AT the walk (the rain and all!) but it sure was cool to talk to them on the phone, e-mails, etc. I'll be super honest - it is important to me to volunteer to help SAVE BABIES, it is important to me to volunteer to prevent other parents from going through what I did with my boys - but it also feels good to ME to give back! It makes ME feel so much better about all of those emotions I have.

On my first Mother's Day we dropped by the old NICU and dropped off some "Hugs and Kisses" (Hershey's) for the moms there. That felt good, too.

Great thread, Karen!

Take care,
Kara

I feel the same way Kara!! It really makes me feel good. Like a proud good, ya know?

I forgot about the Hugs and Kisses idea. I remember Krystal did something similar with kisses and spoons. I'm going to have to bring this up at our Mission family meeting.

Thanks for the ideas!

Karen