Month: August 2023

Many wedding dresses are left hanging in closets to collect dust after the big day. Instead, give them a second life by donating your gown to help brides in need. These meaningful charities will ensure your dress has a happy ending. Most places that resell donated gowns use the proceeds to benefit their cause. For example, Brides Against Breast Cancer uses the money to promote early detection education and legislation. The charity also gives wedding gowns to low-income women through its annual giveaway events. Donating your wedding gown is also a great way to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. According to GreenDrop, making new clothing takes hundreds of gallons of water and produces 10% of global carbon emissions. Reusing your dress reduces these impacts and helps cut down on landfill waste. It’s best to donate your dress within a year of your wedding to guarantee that it is in good condition. You should also inspect it for any stains, tears, or rips prior to donating it. If you notice any of these issues, the dress will likely need to be discarded. Alternatively, you can repurpose your dress into something more modern and useful by using the fabric to make home decor or a cherished keepsake. When choosing a charity to donate your wedding dress, be sure to check its COVID-19 restrictions. Some places have stopped accepting donations until further notice or have set certain guidelines. Then, contact their client service to get specific shipping instructions. The charity Brides for a Cause primarily accepts wedding gowns that are less than five years old and in good condition. They also accept veils and tiaras as well as bridal accessories. Additionally, they have a yearly giveaway event to provide wedding dresses to military and first responder brides. Another way to donate your wedding dress is through the online group Shared Dream Dresses. This charity is a safe space for women to discuss their wedding gowns and meet each other. The group’s Facebook page is constantly updated with new information. Its moderators also answer any questions about the donation process or tips for saving a wedding gown. NICU Helping Hands is another charity that accepts donated wedding dresses to create burial gowns for infants with severe health conditions or birth defects. The organization relies on 180 seamstresses from across the country to painstakingly transform a wedding dress into a specialized burial gown for each family that requests it. NICU Helping Hands has donated over 25,000 wedding dresses since its inception. You can donate your gown by filling out the online form or calling the company directly. Alternatively, you can drop off your wedding dress at one of their locations in Tacoma, Seattle, or Portland. The charity also accepts a wide variety of other used items, including household goods, electronics, kitchen utensils, clothing, shoes, books, toys, antiques, and more. In addition, NICU Helping Hands is a tax-deductible organization.

The joy of a new baby quickly turns to grief and sorrow when a child is sent home from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because he or she will not survive. When those families return to their homes, they often receive an angel kit, a set of gowns and blankets that help them remember their precious little one. The gowns are made from old wedding dresses donated to a project that supports families who suffer the loss of their infant. Judi Soholt lost her first pregnancy in 2012. When she saw a baby wrapped in an angel gown at the hospital, she knew that she would start a group to make the dresses for other parents in need. Her husband agreed to let her use the family’s spare bedroom, which became Angel Gowns of Love. Soholt’s group received 175 gowns last year, but the demand is growing. The group is expected to make more than 3,000 angel kits this year, and that number will keep increasing as more people become aware of the program. A former labor and delivery nurse, Soholt knows what heartache bereaved parents go through. She also knows that it can be difficult to talk about the issue of pregnancy and infant loss because it’s a taboo topic. “But making these gowns, talking about them with other women who make them, and distributing them—it all sheds a light on infant death and makes it less of a secret,” she says. Across the country, volunteers are sewing angel gowns from used wedding dresses and other formal wear. They provide the outfits to hospitals, funeral homes, birthing centers and even to the families themselves if they choose. The gowns are designed for both male and female babies, and they come in all sizes. Many have special details like hand embroidery or lace, and some have messages, such as “heaven’s angel.” One dress can typically make 30 gowns. An angel kit contains a gown, a memory blanket and two hats. A gold keepsake angel is added to the box for families to keep. The kits are distributed for free to families who have had an angel baby, and the organization is hoping to expand its reach nationally. Volunteers say that the gowns bring peace and comfort to grieving families, and that they help them remember their babies in a way they can’t always. They are also a reminder that life is very fragile. “We just want to let these families know that they are not alone, and that we will never forget them,” Soholt says. Soholt’s closet is filled with the beautiful gowns that her team has made so far, but she still needs more materials, such as ribbons, thread, gowns and gallon zip-lock bags. She hopes that the public will help her and her volunteers by donating old formals and money to the cause. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page. You can also learn how to volunteer or donate a dress.

When a child experiences the death of a loved one it can be difficult to know how to proceed. There is no right or wrong answer but it’s important that the decision to attend a funeral is an informed one. Here are some tips to help children make the choice that is right for them. Explain what is going to happen at the ceremony, especially if it’s their first time attending. It’s helpful to normalize the experience and let them know that it is okay for people to cry. They may be frightened by the sight of their deceased loved one lying in a casket but it’s important to remember that they won’t wake up. It’s also important to explain that burial and cremation are a natural part of life and it is not something they should be afraid of. Give them a copy of the order of service booklet ahead of time so they can read it and be prepared for what is happening. It’s often a good idea to include a photo of the person and a short biography to give a sense of who they were and how their family and friends will celebrate them. If they are old enough, get them to write a letter or draw a picture to be placed in the casket or urn. It can be a way for them to say goodbye and express their love one last time. Younger children can pick flowers that can be put in or near the casket or urn. Providing them with an activity to keep them occupied can be helpful, such as colouring or a quiet game. It’s also useful to bring a book, their favourite toy or anything else that will comfort them if they become restless. It’s also a good idea to have a trusted friend available in case they need a break or extra attention from an adult during the ceremony. Some children will feel very strongly that they don’t want to attend the funeral and it is fine to respect this decision. However, it is important to discuss the decision with them and listen to their concerns and questions. They will likely need a lot of support and guidance after the funeral and it’s important that they are not made to feel isolated or forgotten. Children who have lost a parent are eligible to claim a PS300 contribution towards funeral costs in England. The scheme is not means tested and is open to all parents and guardians who have registered the death of their child on or after 1 April 2021. To find out more, see our help with funeral costs page.

When it comes to baby clothing, there are a lot of choices. But it can be difficult to determine which ones are right for you and your little one. When shopping for clothes, you want to find pieces that are incredibly soft, easy to dress and change your infant in (especially with spit up and poop!), and that will also look cute. Thankfully, there are a few great places to shop that can help you with all your newborn clothing needs. One of our favorites is Old Navy, which offers a large selection of styles and outfits. Their outfits are affordable and can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces. They also have an array of sizes, including toddlers and older kids, so you can dress your entire family in matching outfits if you choose. Another great option is Monica and Andy, a mom-founded brand that uses only the softest organic cotton and features fun mix-and-match styles. Their garments are breathable, eco-friendly and have thoughtful details like fold-over scratch mitts to prevent your infant from getting scratches on their delicate skin. Their clothing is also GOTS certified, meaning it meets the highest standards for sustainable production. Newborns require a lot of layers, but the key is to layer light fabrics that are breathable and will keep them warm without overheating. These layers will help your baby sleep well, and also will be easy to take off if they become overheated during playtime or nap time. Some of our favorite items to include in our newborn wardrobes are bodysuits, dresses, kimonos and leggings. A good rule of thumb is to buy a few sets of bodysuits in various colors and patterns, then add several long- and short-sleeved onesies in coordinating or neutral colors. This way you’ll have lots of no-fuss basics for your newborn that can be easily dressed up or down with accessories and will look adorable in photos. You’ll also want to have plenty of baby leggings on hand as they are a versatile staple that can be worn over a bodysuit or paired with a kimono for colder weather. Some baby leggings also have cuffs at the bottom that pull down for diaper changes. It’s important to remember that your baby will likely be sporting the umbilical cord stump for the first 10-20 days, so make sure you purchase or register for some itty bitty kimonos and other covers to protect it. Some of these can even double as a burp cloth! Another essential item is a few pairs of footed pajamas. Unlike regular pants, footed pajamas have openings at the back and legs to allow for quick diaper changes and help your baby stay comfortable while they’re asleep. Ideally, you’ll want to opt for a pair of pajamas that have zippers instead of button snaps, which are more difficult to handle when your baby is fussy and tired.

A person’s final visual impression will stay with those who attend his or her funeral, and a good way to capture that lasting image is through the clothes chosen for the occasion. Traditionally, men are dressed in suits and women wear gowns, but people can also choose other outfits to honor their personality and interests. Often, a funeral director will provide the surviving family with a selection of burial clothes or gowns to choose from. This can be particularly helpful if the deceased recently lost or gained weight and does not have clothes to choose from that fit. Many cultures use shrouds or other clothing to cover the body of the deceased while in the grave or at a memorial service. These clothing items are typically made of light or soft fabrics to be easy for the funeral director to dress a corpse in, and they may feature religious symbols for those who prefer that. These clothing items can be purchased in a variety of styles and colors from specialty funeral supply stores. For some people, choosing a favorite outfit to be buried in is a symbolic act of rebirth. Younger people may opt to be buried in their school uniforms or other clothing they had worn in life. Some families even have a favorite piece of jewelry they would like to be buried with their loved one. If the deceased is to be cremated, the clothing they are buried in will also need to be appropriate for that type of disposition. When deciding on an outfit to be buried in, it is important to remember that the clothing must be comfortable and will not restrict the deceased’s movements. In addition, it should be suitable for the age and lifestyle of the person who passed away. For example, elderly people who did not usually wear dresses or suits might be buried in their nightgowns. Those who are to be buried in a green or natural funeral ground must choose clothing that is biodegradable and will not pollute the soil. Luckily, there are designers who specialize in creating burial clothing that is eco-friendly and looks very similar to vintage garments from the 18th-19th century. Some of these burial clothes are designed with false shirt fronts and other embellishments to resemble day wear or evening clothing. There are even burial gowns available for infants who will be buried in a green or natural casket. Many of these garments are crafted from fabrics that decompose easily in the earth, and some feature special pockets and other features for tiny infants. Volunteers and charities also sew handmade infant burial outfits, such as gowns and caps, to meet the needs of grieving parents who are struggling in the aftermath of losing a child. Beverly Duckett of Whittle Springs, Tennessee, is one such volunteer who sews burial gowns for infants who will be cremated or buried in a natural casket. Her sewing room is full of adorable outfits for these tiny clients, which she calls “Angel Gowns.”

When the wedding and honeymoon are over, many brides have no idea what to do with their gowns. Instead of putting it in the back of a closet to collect dust, consider donating your dress to a worthy cause. Not only will it help a bride in need, but you’ll also get a tax deduction on your donation. Before you drop off your used bridal gown, check with the charity to see what their specific dress donations needs are. Generally, most organizations that take gowns will only accept dresses that are less than five years old. This is because these dresses can be resold to new brides at a discounted price, which helps low-income women who may not otherwise afford their dream wedding gown. Depending on the charity, they may only need the dress or they may use it as part of their educational or awareness programs. For example, Brides Against Breast Cancer uses the proceeds from their dress sales to educate women about early detection and prevention. The organization also offers a free wedding dress to every woman who is diagnosed with the disease. If you choose to donate your dress, contact the organization for details on their drop-off locations and pick-up services. Another option is to contact a local consignment shop in your area to sell your gown for you. However, this can be a more expensive way to go because the consignment shop will take a percentage of the sale. Many thrift stores accept clothing and other wedding items as donations. These donations often support local causes, such as job programs, housing and veterans. Thrift stores also have a variety of sizes, styles and brands of wedding attire to fit most brides’ tastes. If you have any stains on your wedding gown, have it dry cleaned before you donate it. This will make your dress look like it was just worn and may help to save the charity money on cleaning costs. Also, be sure to label the box with information such as the size, brand or designer, and year of purchase, to save charity volunteers time. A few of the charities that specifically accept used wedding dresses include: Adorned in Grace: With boutiques in Oregon and Washington, this charity uses the proceeds from dress sales to support its work to end human trafficking. This is an all-volunteer, faith-based organization. NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program: Donated wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses are remade into beautiful infant burial gowns, or Angel Gowns, that are given to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes and directly to families who have lost their little ones. The organization accepts dresses from brides around the country. If you can’t find a place to donate your used wedding dress, try repurposing it in your home. Display the dress on a mannequin to be admired and remember your special day or turn it into pillows or a baptism gown for your baby. There are even websites that offer tutorials on how to sew your own wedding dress into other items for a unique touch in your home.

Every year, thousands of babies are born too soon. Many die from stillbirth or miscarriage, and they leave their families heartbroken. To help give them some comfort, parents receive an angel gown, a little outfit made for their baby to be dressed in at their first and last moments or for photos. Each gown is made from a wedding dress or other formal gown donated by a family. It’s offered free of charge to grieving families and delivered directly to hospitals. Judi Pruin knows the pain of losing a baby during pregnancy and at birth, having lost her own son at 18 weeks gestation. After seeing an article about the nonprofit organization, “Angel Gowns,” on Facebook, she felt led to volunteer her time. Now, she’s one of more than 40 seamstresses who sew angel gowns for babies in Iowa and around the country. Pruin’s story started with a dress, but now she’s got hundreds of dresses donated to her group. Those donations are crucial to the success of the program. It’s a nationwide effort and the gowns are offered free to grieving families. “We do everything we can to help make it as easy and as stress-free for them,” said Jacki Cohoon, of West Des Moines. The women who work with the group are all volunteers who take their time out of the day to make these tiny gowns. They all have their own stories of loss, but they share a common goal to honor those tiny lives. They want to make sure no parent ever has to dig through a tub at the hospital for burial clothes, and that’s why they make these angel gowns. Sunshine State Angel Gowns was founded by a former labor and delivery nurse, who didn’t forget the heartbroken parents she saw after each tragedy. Her idea was to start a nonprofit, and in just a few months she gathered 44 seamstresses in South Jersey to make these gowns. They are offered to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes and directly to the grieving families free of charge. These angel kits include a special gown, a blanket and two hats. The outfit is perfect for smaller newborns, to be dressed in at their first and last moment or for photos. The little outfit is then placed into a memory box and given to the parents to keep. These kits are given to grieving families free of charge by an organization called Angel Babies, which has been delivering the gowns since 2018. Last year alone, they gave out 175 angel kits. The demand has been increasing, and the group hopes to give out even more this year. The nonprofit is always looking for donations and volunteers. If you would like to help, click here for more information. It’s also possible to send a dress to a developing country through the organization’s international program, and you can follow the dress’s journey through social media. It’s a way to see the impact your donation has and to build a relationship with the seamstress who is sewing your gown.

A child funeral is a special service designed to honor the life of an infant who has died. It is an important step in helping your family cope with the loss and come to terms with their grief. It also helps them understand that the death of their loved one was not their fault and that the baby’s life mattered and that they will always be remembered in a positive way. If you are considering a child funeral, you will need to discuss the process with your child and let them know what to expect. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident about attending the funeral. It will also make it less traumatic for them to see the body in the casket or urn because they already know what to expect. Children can have a difficult time understanding death and may have fears about being alone or that they too will die soon. It is also normal for them to be angry about the death and feel guilty that they could not save their loved one. In some cases, children do not want to attend the funeral and may beg you not to take them. Forcing them to go against their wishes can be extremely traumatizing for young children, so it is best to allow them to make their own decisions. If they choose not to attend, try to have a memorial service at a later date instead. If your child is able to attend the funeral, there are many ways they can participate. They may want to light a candle or write a letter to the deceased. They can also be given a special task such as finding photos of the deceased to present during the ceremony or helping to pass out funeral programs to guests. Having a role can help your child feel more involved and makes them feel important. It is also a good idea to bring along a favorite book, toy or quiet activity for your child in case they get restless during the service. If they are unable to sit still, you can always ask a friend or family member to take them outside for a walk or to another room where it is more quiet. You should also talk to the children in your care about what they can expect from the funeral and burial. You should also encourage them to talk about their feelings with you and be sure to listen. Then you can help them find healthy ways to express their emotions. For children who have experienced a traumatic or violent death, they can be especially vulnerable and may not want to participate in a traditional funeral. They can often have thoughts like “I didn’t cause it” or “nobody else will die soon”. In these cases, it is a good idea to let the child decide whether or not they want to attend and to let them know that it is OK if they change their mind.

A new baby is an exciting time for any family. And while everyone and their mom is going to buy you a lot of clothes for your little bundle of joy, it’s important to think about what your infant really needs. Here’s an essential baby clothing checklist for new parents: The most important consideration when it comes to purchasing newborn outfits is comfort. Babies spit up and poop frequently, so you’ll want to stick with soft, comfortable fabrics that will be gentle on their sensitive skin. Avoid any clothes with seams, tags or rough edges that could irritate the skin. Look for onesies and pajamas with snap bottoms, which will make diaper changes easier. You may also want to purchase a few all-in-ones or jumpsuits that cover the entire body and include mittens or feet so your baby stays warm and cozy. Footed pajamas are also great for babies to wear around the house because they’ll be able to roll up the sleeves and pants easily for playtime and naps. A couple of fleece jackets, vests or hoodies are essential winter items for babies. Keep in mind that babies tend to overheat easily, especially when they are sleeping or at the mall, so dress them in layers and take off clothes if they get too hot. If you decide to go with all-in-ones or jumpsuits, make sure the legs have snaps or a zipper (not button snaps) so they’re easy to get on and off for diaper changes. A hat is another essential item for cold weather, but don’t get one with a brim that will rub against the head or face. Babies’ heads can be very sensitive, so opt for a wide-brimmed hat or cap. You’ll also want a few pairs of soft and comfortable pants, socks, underwear and a few shirts that will be worn with the all-in-ones or jumpsuits. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of outfits in the correct size because babies grow fast. Lastly, you’ll want to stock up on bibs and washcloths. You’ll be washing and rewashing a lot of laundry in the early days, so it’s good to have plenty of reusable cloth and vinyl bibs on hand. You’ll also want a few washcloths made with organic cotton or bamboo to help your baby stay clean and green. The convention of having separate sections for girls’ and boys’ clothing must be rethought, Ms. Red-Horse says. It’s not helpful to have gender stereotypes imposed on infants when they’re still developing. Some retailers have already begun to change the way they present their baby products, such as COS and H&M with their lines of unisex and gender-neutral clothing. And Gap has a hub that features its neutral-colored clothes. As you shop, pay attention to the label on each piece of baby clothing to see what materials are used. Many babies have sensitive skin, so it’s best to use organic and natural fabrics as much as possible. Consider the environment, too—look for sustainable and ethically made clothing, which is a growing trend among young families.

The attire you choose for your deceased loved one to wear at their funeral will help create a sense of finality. It can also give family members the opportunity to dress their loved one in a specific outfit that they believe reflects them. Traditionally, men are dressed in suits and women in dresses. However, there are a number of alternative options as well. Burial gowns, for instance, are often used when a person has requested to be cremated after a viewing or open casket funeral and can serve as an alternative to a traditional suit. Many funeral directors will have an assortment of clothing to choose from for their clients. They can help you make the best choices based on your preferences and the deceased’s final wishes. In addition, some religious institutions will have clothing on hand for people who die in their care and can coordinate with the funeral home to arrange a suitable outfit. When choosing an outfit for a loved one, consider their age and lifestyle. Younger people are often less formal and may prefer casual clothing, such as a shirt with jeans or shorts. Elderly people, on the other hand, often have an established style and can be dressed in clothing they would wear at their day-to-day lives. Some families may want to consider bringing their own clothing items for their loved ones, if possible. This can provide a more personal touch and allow you to avoid the expense of purchasing a new outfit. However, it is important to keep in mind that the clothing will have to be cleaned afterward. If you are concerned about cleaning and washing the clothes, some funeral homes will offer a dry cleaning service for their clients. Those who are concerned about the environmental impact of their choice may want to consider a biodegradable burial outfit, such as a cotton or linen shroud. These are typically white and can be embroidered with floral designs. Biodegradable funeral gowns are often made of recycled materials and can be worn for a traditional burial or to honor the deceased in a green cemetery. There are also outfits that can be worn for a natural or green burial that look like a hospital gown, but with false shirt fronts to resemble day wear or evening clothes. Some are even designed to match a person’s favorite outfit. Basile remembers one woman who wanted to be buried in her pink floral nightgown and satin quilted bathrobe, which she set aside ahead of time. Some individuals, especially those who follow the Jewish faith, have specific guidelines for what to wear at their funerals. For example, they are traditionally buried in a three-sheeted shroud for men and a veil for women, and they should be accompanied by a skullcap known as a yarmulke. If you are planning a burial for a Jewish individual, your funeral director will be able to help with these arrangements.