Tote Bags-need suggestions!

[AmyMiles]

I don't know if the hospitals in your area have music therapists, but U of M did. A woman who played harp and a man who played the guitar. They each had CD's out and our nicu gave us a tote bag with a hat, NICU tee, harp CD and information packet. A list of children's books to read and a list of local libraries to check out books. We loved to read to Faith.

[Corin Nava]

Thanks everyone for the wonderful suggestions! I am going to go on a donation blitz and see what I can get companies to donate! It's all going to depend on what we can get for donations.... but I love these ideas.

[AmyMiles]

Corin how are the tote bags coming along. Did you and your MIL get them finished? I know you have been a super busy lady, but I just wanted to check in! Oh and if you PM your addy I can send a donation. Do you have a list of things that we may be able to donate to your bags?

[Corin Nava]

Amy-you are the best

With all the planning for the conference and other events, I haven't had as much time as I would like to work on these yet. Once the conference is over I will be able to put most of my "CHERUBS time" into these. My MIL has had a quilting workshop with some family which was very successful and they were able to start a few quilts! We hope to do a couple more of these workshops soon (she still has to teach me how to sew-lol). I have been trying to contact companies and people for donations and have written up a letter for walmart (they sounded very interested in donating!) but I still have to drop it off. One of Gabe's nurses donated a few ceramic pieces for the bags that she had made which are really beautiful! We are hoping to have a couple done soon so that we can bring one down to the conference to show everyone!

Each bag will include:

Baby blanket or quilt
Booties
Eye Cover
Journal
Pens
Lotion
Lip balm
Disposable camera
CHERUBS Info Packet

Things we would like to include if we are able to:
Gift cards (mcdonalds, Dunkin donuts, etc...)
Childrens Book
Puzzle book
List of hospital services
List of local services and coupons
Any other small gifts-beanie babies, nick nacks, frames, CD, etc... we can get donated

If anyone would like to donate items to make these bags PM me! I am very excited about getting these done and out to parents!!!!

[AmyMiles]

Sounds GREAT!

[AmyMiles]

Corin what hospital are you taking these to again? I want to make sure I get things that are found in your area/hospitals area. I know gas stations and such vary from region to region.

[Corin Nava]

Our idea is to send them out to new and expecting parents around New England when they join CHERUBS, that way we know they are going directly to the parents who can use them. We will also drop some off at Mass General in Boston, Boston Childrens, and probably Woman & Infants in Providence. I think most of the CDH babies that are born in New England end up at Boston Childrens, but I know Woman & Infants and Mass General take them too (those were the hospitals Gabe was transfered to).

We don't have much for the bags yet... so anything off those lists will be greatly appreciated!

[KateC]

I am a little late, but what I really liked is Shannon's Snoedel. It was a piece of cloth that looked like a baby dool of sorts. I slept with it at night, or kept it under my shirt and then when I wa snot there I left it with Shannon. She could smell me while I was not there. Not sure how much they would cost. Stand by, let me google . . . http://www.snoedel.com/

Maybe you can see if they would donate some?

Great idea though Corin! I won't be at the conference so post some pictures!!

[Corin Nava]

Those are really cute! I'll have to look into them and see if they are willing to donate any!

[KateC]

I still sleep with Shannon's every single night . . .