02/05/2021
Our first project for 2021 has been nothing short of blessings on blessings. We began in December, raising funds to assist our sweet Batson’s babies (and their families) who are required to spend time in the PICU/NICU. Our initial goal was to provide handmade blankets and hats to those babies for comfort during their stay. Just to provide a little background as to why we chose Batson’s:
Batson’s Children’s Hospital in Jackson, MS houses the state’s only pediatric intensive care unit and is home to some of the most amazing, most talented doctors and nurses in the United States. Batson’s hospital, clinics, and emergency rooms treat approximately 80,000 children a year from Mississippi’s 82 counties. We truly feel Batson’s can benefit greatly from our donations!
After speaking with Batson’s team, we discovered the need for one last item, the Forever Gown. Forever Gowns are for our babies who do not make it home – these gowns are provided by the hospital to families as a gift of love and reverence. And in our opinion, Forever Gowns could be our way of honoring families affected by loss.
So, let us fast forward – after some arrangements were made, we took to social media, reaching out to our donors, sponsors, and friends - as well as members of the Mississippi Quilt Association. So many wonderful people began responding immediately, volunteering their time to make our items. Beginning one week after our first post, I started receiving packages from folks across our great state, full of love and hope in multiple colors. If I said I’ve not cried each time I have opened a package, I would not be telling the truth. I am simply humbled by how many people are willing to volunteer their time to make this project a huge success! My absolute favorite part of this project’s story is the chapter in which a ladies’ rehabilitation center reached out to us, offering their sewing skills, as well. Interesting how God likes to put us together, piece by piece, stitch by stitch…. like I said, blessings on blessings.
Some may see this project and think, “it’s just a hat” – or “it’s just a blanket”. But to me, it is an opportunity. It is the chance to love somebody – to comfort a life in its time of need…and that’s what makes it all worth it.
If you’d like to donate by knitting or sewing, please reach out to me via email at [email protected], or by direct message here on Facebook.
We would love you to be part of this gift.
Thank you for donating.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you for loving on the babies.
