I posted this on Facebook yesterday but I know that there are people on the blog as well who ask where are some great places to donate to for families with children with special needs. If you are looking to do some holiday time giving here are some great organizations.
As we are headed into the holiday season people's hearts look more
for things to give back to others. I am often asked about what
organizations hold a special place in my heart and how people can make
an impact in the lives of kids with medical needs so below is a list of
different organizations and a way you could help:
Ronald McDonald
House: RMH is a place for families who have children receiving medical
treatment to stay close to their child. (everything donated must be new
and in original packaging due to illness prevention) I can help with
delivering donations
-Toys for the magic room- these are toys in the
$10+ price range. When a child checks into RMH they get a token to the
magic room to pick out a brand new toy and book that they get to keep.
Many of the black Friday ads are out and there are so many great toy
deals that would be perfect for the magic room
-books for the magic room
-small puzzles/sicker books ect- these are placed on the fire place for kids to come and take as they please
-one time use containers for families to bring meals back to the hospital with them (like plastic take out containers)
-travel size toiletries
-breakfast cereal
-art supplies
Tubie Friends: TF takes stuffed animals and sews in the same medical
equipment a child has (feeding tube, port, trach, ect) and sends them to
children and hospitals around the world. TF only uses Build A Bear
animals however they pay full retail cost for them. They also ask
families if they can cover the shipping costs however if a family is not
able to pay for shipping the funds are raised to cover that as well.
There are currently several hundred children on the waiting list for
animals. To donate go to www.tubiefriends.com
Gracie's Gowns: Gracie's Gowns makes hospital gowns for medically
complex kiddos to wear in the hospital. These make the hospital easier
for kiddos getting to have their own gown in a fabric they like to wear.
They currently are in need of funding to help pay for fabric and
shipping to get gowns to more children. To donate go to www.graciesgowns.org
Tiny Superheros: Tiny Superheros makes capes for children with medical
needs to remind them how strong they are. They also have a monthly
subscriptions to "missions" that help children learn skills that help
them with their illness. The self estimate work that they do with these
kids is amazing. Many families don't have money left after paying
medical bills to pay for a cape so TS raises funds to gift capes to
kids. To donate go to tinysuperheroes.com
Feeding Tube Awareness: This is a foundation that helps families learn
about how to take care of a child with a feeding tube. When a tube is
placed the hospital can teach you the medical side of it but they don't
know the day in and out things of life at home with a feeding tube, this
is were FTA steps in. They have so many parent resources to make life
at home with a tube easier. They also help to teach medical staff about
ways they can help families too. They also lobby for feeding tubes to be
included in media so kids with tubes have the opportunity to see other
kids like themselves. Donations can be made at feedingtubeawareness.org
Never Say Never: NSN is working to build a playground for everyone in
Lake Geneva. Jilli's face lights up when she finds out we are going to a
wheelchair playground because it makes it so she can join in too. NSN
is selling fence pickets for around the playground that can be engraved
with names. They are also looking for sponsors of larger equipment which
would be great use of cooperate or large giving. Donations can be made
at www.neversayneverplayland.com/
If you have any questions or want more information about any of these groups please let me know.
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