The fund strives to identify specific needs of families who are coping with critically or chronically ill children. As an introduction, we supply patients and families with care baskets that include helpful supplies for their stay in the hospital. These baskets provide items that are comforting and necessary during their stay. Moreover, our baskets let the families know that someone cares for them during this difficult time and that we are available to them as a resource. Each basket includes information about our Fund and establishes an open line of communication to establish a relationship with the family.
Items included in a Family Basket:
- A blanket for the child/baby
- A roll of quarters for late night trips to the vending machine
- Magazines for the parents to enjoy
- Lotion for dry hands from washing so much
- Hand Sanitizer to keep germ free
- A stuffed animal (beanie baby) to keep the child/baby company while the parent/s are away
- Children’s books to read to the child/baby
- A journal and pen for the parents to write notes or information from nurses and doctors
- A devotional called “Praying the Scriptures for your Child”
- Chapstick for lips that are dry
- Socks for the child/baby
- A hat for the child/baby
- Notecards
- Burb cloth for the baby
- Snacks for the parent
- Water for the parent
- A Scrapbook card to write the child's/baby’s name on for his/her bed
For those families that contact us or establish a relationship, we look for ways to support them in the hospital or at home, based on their unique situation. For example, in the past we have provided Christmas gifts, a Thanksgiving meal and Christmas meal in the hospital, Christian Faith-based grief counseling at our expense, gas cards for the long drive to and from the hospital, purchased cribs, carseats, and other necessities for the child, and covering the cost of a phone bill and or electricity bill.