Bags of Love

Providing hope and love to our community families through gift bags for families and children staying in the NICU.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” -Psalm 34:18

My husband and I have been married for over 12 years and we have 3 little boys – 3, 6 and 9.

I have been a Thirty-One Gifts consultant for almost 8 years now. I absolutely love what I do and that includes having the ability to run fundraisers and give back to such deserving causes, such as this. Causes that so near and dear to me. I have such a heart for others.

My story starts almost 10 years ago when I went into pre-term labor with my first son at 31 weeks. I was terrified. After having him, I struggled with post-partum depression although at the time, I didn’t know it had a name. I didn’t want to tell anyone how I felt.

With our second son, I went into pre-term labor at 35 weeks. And once again, I fell into post-partum depression when he was about 8 months old. I attended a PPD support group and it was wonderful to hear that I wasn’t alone.

With our third son, I went into pre-term labor at 34 weeks. After having him, I had extreme post-partum depression and sought out help. I can honestly say that that decision might have saved my life. It brings tears to my eyes now just thinking about it. It’s so hard when you’re struggling with it day in and day out but don’t understand why. Logically, your feelings don’t make sense but emotionally, it consumes you.

I also have multiple friends who have had a NICU baby, whether the stay was for a couple days or a couple months. It was still incredibly hard for them, regardless of how long the stay was.

This project allows me to give back to others who are struggling. I pray this small gift brings these families comfort as they care for their baby(ies) in the NICU. My business and the help of many family, friends and businesses make this project possible! I could not have done this on my own.

I want to give a really big shout out to Mezanmi Play Café, Restoration Concepts LLC, NovaCare Kids Pediatric Therapy, Nazarene Wee Care Center, Milestones Child Development Center, Portage Lions Club and Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene for assisting me through this fundraiser.

Mezanmi Play Café, NovaCare Kids Pediatric Therapy, Nazarene Wee Care Center and Milestones Child Development Center ran a stuffed animal drive.

The Portage Lions Club donated eyeglass cases and pens as filler items.

Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene rented out their gym to me for free so I could have the space to fill all the backpacks with the needed items.

Restoration Concepts LLC donated word finds, coloring books, colored pencils and socks as filler items.

The Meat Shack on 57 donated socks, tic tacs, gum, breast pads and tucks wipes.

Honor Credit Union donated the hand sanitizers and lotions.

And a HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Emerald Expectations Accounting. They matched every Cinch Sac that was sponsored, which in turn gave me more to donate.

I want to say, “congratulations” on the birth of each baby that is admitted into the NICU. I pray that each family will feel a small sense of comfort with these “Bags of Love”. I want them to know they are loved and thought of.