Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Welcome Bags

On December 20th, Ryan and I went to Children's Hospital in St. Paul and donated our first round of welcome bags for families who are admitted into the NICU.  This has been an idea of Ella's Halo for a long time.  Back this fall I meet with the parent committee called STEPs and they provided feeback and ideas about our welcome bags.  We decided that this was something we could do and started working on getting prices and vendors to help support our Ella's Halo Welcome Bags.


We dropped off 150 bags which included a reusable bag, reusable water bottle, camera, notebooks, pens, and a toiletry kit with Kleenex, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and a comb.  These are items we wished we had or needed during those first few days we spent in the NICU with Ella. We still have 150 more bags to bring to them. Our hope is to be able to provide bags for the 2011 year to each new admit in Children's St. Paul's NICU. 



We even got to present a bag to a new mother whose baby was just admitted into the NICU.  I saw in her eyes the same feelings I remember all too well.  The shock of what just happened, the excitement about a new baby and also feeling terrified of the unknown NICU world.  I hope that this family will have a few comforts from our welcome bag to help make their stay a little easier.  We hope these bags bring a little peace of mind to these families who are starting their journeys on the NICU rollercoaster.

 

Thank you to Mike and Annie for helping us get these bags to families in the NICU.  We are lucky to have met some members from the hospital who are supportive of Ella's Halo.  We know that working with them will help us be able to accomplish our mission of providing comforts of home to families in the NICU.  Even if it was in a middle of a snow storm!


It was an amazing afternoon and perfect timing with the holidays.  We donated in memory of a little angel and are looking forward to an exciting new year in 2011 with everything that Ella's Halo will do to help families.

4 comments:

Meg said...

taryn, i do not think you know how amazing you and ryan really are. this story brings tears to my eyes and goosebumps everywhere! you two are such amazing people and will touch the hearts of people everywhere! all of our love this holiday season!
hugs

Anne said...

The welcome bags sound amazing Taryn and Ryan. You are, as always, such an inspiration.

Kristin said...

Amazing job you guys!!! :)

Heidi Case said...

Wonderful work again, Taryn! I know each family will be touched by your kindness and generosity! Thank you for everything you do in Ella's memory!

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