Month: November 2023

Most little girls dream of growing up and having the perfect storybook wedding in a beautiful gown. However, not all brides are able to afford the wedding of their dreams. Those who choose to donate their dresses can help other women who may be going through financial hardships have the dress of their dreams and have a special memory to look back on. In addition, those who don’t want to keep their wedding dresses can benefit the environment by avoiding the production of new clothing and accessories. In fact, producing new clothes and textiles creates toxic chemicals and a large amount of carbon dioxide and water waste. According to Green Drop, when you donate your wedding gown, it helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and prevents new dresses from being manufactured. Before donating your dress, make sure it is in good condition. Most charities have specific guidelines regarding dress condition, age and style. It is also a good idea to have your gown professionally cleaned before donating it to avoid any possible stains or damage. This can also save you some time as many charities and shops offer this service for an additional fee. Besides dresses, there are some charities that accept other wedding-related items such as shoes, tiaras, veils and other bridal accessories. It is also a great idea to donate any other decorations, invitations and favors that you no longer need or use. Before deciding to donate your wedding dress, it is important to research the organization to ensure that it is a reputable one with a good reputation and mission. Many charities focus on different areas including supporting women, aiding cancer victims, helping the military and more. It’s best to select a charity that aligns with your desired impact and will make the most difference in people’s lives. Some of the more popular charities that accept wedding dress donations include Brides Across America, Wishing Well Foundation and Gift of a Wedding. These organizations help to fund and organize weddings for terminally ill brides, first responders and others in need. Angel Gowns for Angel Babies is another wonderful charity that utilizes donated wedding gowns to create tiny baby gowns for newborn babies who have died. This beautiful charity has given away over 26,000 wedding dresses since 2008. When you donate your wedding dress, you can feel good about making a positive impact on someone else’s life. You can also feel good about freeing up storage space in your closet and having a clean, organized home! Donating your wedding gown to a charity is a great way to have it find a happy and lasting home. Before you do, however, make sure that the charity is accepting gowns during this pandemic and that they have the appropriate guidelines in place. In addition, make sure to have your dress professionally cleaned before donating it and don’t hesitate to ask for any additional guidance from the organization’s staff if you have any questions.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. And when those incredibly sad moments involve losing a baby, special garments known as angel gowns can give families a small comfort in their loss. One woman in Hot Springs Village, Arkansan has turned the first floor of her home into a workshop where she crafts tiny angel gowns for babies and gives them to hospitals across the country. She started the project after her cousin lost a premature infant and found that hospitals everywhere had a need for these special gowns. Each gown is made from a donated wedding dress, so each has its own story of love and loss. The first time Judi Lee, a labor and delivery nurse at Baylor All Saints Medical Center in Dallas, saw an angel gown for babies who don’t survive birth, she knew she wanted to be part of the group that makes them. Her sister-in-law and mother had both experienced the loss of a child, and she knows that grieving parents often have to dig through the hospital’s lost and found tub to find something small to dress their baby in. So when she saw a Facebook post seeking more bridal dresses to use to make the gowns, she was thrilled to learn that NICU Helping Hands, a group of seamstresses across the country, had an urgent need for more wedding dresses. She quickly began coordinating local sewing parties, and now her network of 44 seamstresses has made more than 450 angel gowns that she delivers to local hospitals. Each gown costs about $50 to make. It’s a cost that Judi Lee pays out of her own pocket, but she says the money is well worth the effort, as each gown helps families in their time of grief and loss. “It’s a way of saying that I care about this person and their family,” she said. Judi Lee also says that it’s important to her that the dresses are made by people who have lost a child, because they know what a parent goes through. They want to ensure the family of each baby that receives a gown has the best possible experience. ND Angel Gowns distributes their creations to hospitals, including the NICU at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, Calif. Pictured here are NICU Manager Martina Ruiz and Silvia Noriega from Angel Gowns of South Bay delivering the hospital’s initial box of angel gowns. Dignity Health – St Mary Medical Center is proud to be part of the NICU Helping Hands program and has many resources that can be helpful for families. To learn more, visit our website today. We are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that is accessible to our communities. We offer state-of-the-art technologies, access to innovative therapies and specialized emotional support services to provide a nurturing environment. We serve patients from our communities in Pomona, Chino Hills and throughout San Bernardino County.

A child funeral is a special way to say goodbye to your baby or child who has died. A child funeral can also be a healing experience for the parents. However, it is important to consider the child’s feelings and wishes as well. Children are often able to tell you what they want and need. Forcing a child to attend a funeral is often unsuccessful, so it’s important to let the child decide whether or not they want to go. Explaining the funeral process and what they will see can help them feel more comfortable making this decision. Many children have a lot of questions about funerals and what will happen. It is important to answer their questions as calmly and truthfully as possible. They may have many questions at once and it is okay to give them a moment to think before responding. It is often helpful to have a designated friend or family member to be available to answer their questions throughout the day. Explain that the body of their loved one will be present at the ceremony. This can be comforting to some children, as it allows them to connect with the deceased in a more personal way. If you have a casket, it’s a good idea to show the child their sibling in it before the funeral so that they are familiar with what they will see at the ceremony. A funeral can be a very emotional and tense time for a child, as well as adults. If your child is feeling overwhelmed or fidgety, it can be a good idea to give them something to hold – a book, their favourite teddy or toy, a quiet game etc. It’s also a good idea to take a break if your child is feeling overtired or restless, even if you are still in the middle of a service. Some children will be afraid that they will die as well or that they have somehow caused the death of their loved one. It’s important to reassure them that this is not the case and that it is normal for them to feel this way. If you are unsure how to respond, it may be helpful to talk with a grief counselor or psychologist who can provide you with further information and guidance. In addition to attending a funeral service, some children will choose to pay their respects in other ways. For example, some will choose to have a memorial celebration at home or another venue with friends and family. They can share stories, play games and reminisce about the person who died. They can also write a message on a matted picture frame or create a memory book with photos of the person and a short story about them. They can light candles with close adult supervision. They can also have a balloon release. Depending on the age of your child, they may wish to be present at the burial site as well, although this is not always a necessity.

New babies are adorable, but they require a lot of gear. From all-in-one pieces and sleep sacks to bodysuits and rompers, there are a ton of options for newborns and infants—and that’s not even counting shoes! The best part about baby clothing is that it’s a lot of fun to shop for. You can pick up pieces as you go or stock up ahead of time to have everything ready for your new arrival. If you do decide to get some pieces ahead of time, it’s always good to keep in mind that babies grow quickly, so plan accordingly and size up. Baby clothing should be comfortable and breathable. Organic fabrics are the way to go, as they’re free from chemicals that may irritate delicate skin. Babies also tend to put their hands in their mouths, so they can easily ingest any toxins that might be in a piece of fabric or yarn. Organic materials are also better for the planet because they don’t contain any pesticides, chemical fertilizers or GMOs. Plus, they’re more sustainable and biodegradable than synthetic materials, which take up to 20 years to break down. You’ll want to have a variety of clothes to wear for your baby, depending on the season. Wintertime means having warm jackets and outerwear, while summertime calls for lighter jackets or hoodies to keep them cool. Carter’s Baby is a well-loved brand that offers all the basics, including onesies, pajamas and formal outfits in sizes from preemie to 24 months. The retailer has a great selection of holiday styles and licensed sports team apparel, too. Kissy Kissy is another parent-approved brand that specializes in soft and durable layette sets. Their scrumptious Peruvian Pima cotton is incredibly smooth and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin. The collection includes a range of neutral bodysuits with lap shoulders, footie pajamas that feature easy snap fasteners from head to toe and beautiful rompers with peek-a-paw cuffs to prevent self-scratching. They also offer luxurious “Mommy + Mini” matching sets so you can have the cutest family photos. Janie + Jack is the place to go if you’re looking for special occasion clothing or a sophisticated look. The line is made with the highest-quality textiles and the most modern patterns, so you can create a cohesive wardrobe without breaking your bank account. The company’s capsule collections are especially popular, so you can dress your baby in coordinating looks for any occasion. Another great option is BabyGap, which has a ton of everyday essentials and some dressier pieces, as well. Their signature denim is high-quality and super soft, and the company has a ton of prints and colors to choose from, too. The label also has a ton of accessories, so you can get your baby ready for any occasion. The only downside is that their clothes can be pricey, but they’re worth the splurge when you’re shopping for a little one.

When it comes to selecting burial clothes for your loved one, you want to choose something that reflects their style and personality. Traditionally, this is accomplished with a suit or dress. But there are other factors to consider as well, including their religion and the method of their final disposition. It’s also important to keep in mind that different faith traditions have varying clothing requirements. Before making any purchases, you should always consult with clergy or other religious leaders to determine the most appropriate attire for your loved one. The first thing to think about is whether your loved one left instructions regarding what they wanted to be dressed in for their funeral or if they have a favorite outfit that they want to be buried in. If your loved one did leave instructions, you should try to follow those directions as best you can. If your loved one’s final wishes are not specified, you can select a outfit that they would have worn regularly. If your loved one was an active person, you can choose a casual outfit that reflects their lifestyle like jeans and a polo shirt or button-down dress shirt with tailored dress pants. It’s best to stick to neutral or subdued colors for this type of wardrobe, and avoid flamboyant clothing that could make your loved one stand out too much. Infants and babies can be dressed in burial gowns that are similar to Baptismal or Christening dresses. They are usually white and are available in a wide range of sizes to fit tiny infants. Some charities and companies create handmade baby funeral clothes to help families of lost babies find peace during this difficult time. For adults, a classic suit is the most popular choice for men and women. You can pair a well-fitting dress shirt with tailored dress pants in a neutral or light pastel color. Opt for closed-toe shoes to complete the look. A dress or skirt and blouse with a vest can be suitable for women who wish to be buried in their regular wardrobe. You can opt for a blouse or dress in a subtle pastel shade such as pink, lavender, or light blue. The color symbolizes serenity and peace, so this is a good choice for your loved one’s final outfit. If your loved one was a person who was fond of a particular hobby, you can choose a special outfit that represents that passion. For example, if your loved one enjoyed painting, you can select a beautiful painting or a painting-themed scarf that can be used for their casket viewing or graveside service. Many people also wear a traditional outfit for their open casket viewing and visitation. If you prefer to stick with a traditional look, a simple suit or dress is the way to go. You can opt for a tailored suit or a dress in a neutral or subdued color such as gray, white, or blue. Opt for closed-toe shoes and understated jewelry to finish the look.

A wedding dress is a treasured memento from one of the most special days in a bride’s life. While many brides choose to keep their dresses and pass them on to future generations, others prefer to donate their gowns to give them a second life. This allows them to declutter their closets and can help other brides find the perfect dress for their big day without spending as much money. It also benefits a charity or other cause that’s important to the bride or donor. While some women choose to sell their dresses, this can be a lengthy and stressful process that involves listing the gowns on different websites and interacting with potential buyers for months. Instead, a bride may want to consider donating her wedding dress, which can be a simpler option that saves time and provides a tax deduction, according to Zola. Choosing the right dress donation organization is crucial. Some organizations resell the dresses, while others offer them to brides in need for free or at a discounted price. Before donating your dress, research the organization’s mission, values, and reputation to ensure that they align with your own. You can also check if the organization is a registered non-profit or has a track record of transparent operations. If you’re planning to donate your gown, it’s important to have it professionally cleaned beforehand. This will ensure that your dress is in good condition for its new owner and can help avoid stains and other problems. It’s also a good idea to make any necessary repairs before you hand it over. Many thrift stores are happy to accept wedding gown donations, as they’re a great way for them to support low-income individuals in the community. These organizations can often provide the dresses to brides for free or at a reduced price, which is helpful for those who can’t afford to purchase a dress from high-end bridal boutiques. Some of these organizations have specific criteria for the type of dress they’re willing to accept, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with these requirements before donating your dress. For example, some organizations will only accept wedding gowns with lace and embroidered details, while others may not be able to use a dress that’s too long. In addition to reselling the gowns, some of these organizations repurpose them into infant burial gowns, known as Angel Gowns, for families who have lost their little ones. This program can help comfort grieving parents and support the cause that’s close to their hearts. If you’re interested in donating your dress, look for local buy/sell/trade groups on social media or online forums to see if they’re accepting gown donations at the moment. You can also contact bridal or wedding expo organizers to inquire about their donation policies. The Salvation Army, for instance, has a number of locations that accept wedding dress donations and offers free pickup services to donors.

For families coping with the unimaginable loss of an infant, special garments known as angel gowns can offer a small bit of comfort in their time of grief. One such gown, made from the dress of a patient’s deceased baby, was recently presented to a family at Akron Children’s. Allison Harris, an audiologist at the hospital, and her mother, Susan Arnold, both donated their dresses to Hillary’s Cherished Gowns, a volunteer organization of seamstresses dedicated to sewing infant bereavement gowns and accessories for Akron area families. “We feel very connected to this project because we lost our daughter, Leah, when she was 9 months old,” said Susan. “So, we were already familiar with the need for these gowns.” Across the country, volunteers like Judi Bauer have been able to sew and deliver more than 200 angel gowns for infants who died before, during or shortly after birth. Bauer, who is a full-time health care employee, has been sewing since 2016 after losing her own son Ambrose at 3 weeks of gestation. She said she was inspired to create her own initiative after hearing about a similar effort in Maine. She has been able to make and deliver the dresses to four different organizations, including Riley’s Little Angels in Columbus, Touching Little Lives in Groveport, NICU Helping Hands in Fort Worth and Rest in His Arms in Chicago. Each of the groups has its own nuances and guidelines, but they all serve the same purpose: to give parents one less thing to worry about when they are forced to say goodbye to their child. Each of the gowns is unique and can be worn as a memorial or by a nurse as a sign of respect. They can also be used to create a heartfelt newborn photo shoot. These photos will become a permanent part of the memory of the little one who will never be forgotten. The NICU at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) extends its heartfelt gratitude to this group of seamstresses for their invaluable contribution of custom-made gowns to our tiniest patients and their families. They provide these precious garments to a wide range of families from the communities served by PVHMC, which includes Pomona, Chino Hills, Corona, Eastvale, and Diamond Bar. To learn more about this nonprofit, you can visit their Facebook page or website. If you or a loved one is in need of an angel gown, you can contact PVHMC’s labor and delivery nurses by calling their triage line at 619-267-5311. To donate a wedding dress, contact Judi Bauer through her Facebook page, Angel Gowns of Central Ohio. A typical dress can produce up to 20 angel gowns. This show stopping JA571 gown is a 3-way jersey satin blended fabric that has plenty of stretch and fully lined. The halter neckline features thick straps that can be styled in various ways for a beautiful look. This is the perfect dress for any occasion.

A child funeral is a ceremony that honours a child who has died. It can take many forms and is often led by a celebrant, a religious leader or someone who knows your family well. Including children in a ceremony gives them the space to talk about their feelings and connect with the person who has died. Depending on the child’s age, they can be involved in creating a memorial or ordering flowers. They may want to write messages or choose music for the service. Older children can be entrusted with the task of reading a short poem or statement at the ceremony. It is important to explain to a child what to expect before and during a ceremony. This can be done in a way that suits their natural curiosity. For example, if they will see the casket at a visitation or the funeral service themselves, it is helpful to explain what the body will look like and that it won’t be moving. It is also a good idea to explain what will happen after the funeral. For instance, if the body will be buried, you might say that people will put flowers on the grave or urn and say their goodbyes. If the body will be cremated, it is also helpful to prepare a child for this by explaining that people may go to the graveyard and say their goodbyes and that they will still remember the person. You might also want to explain that sometimes people will cry when they talk about the person who has died. This can help a child to understand that not everyone will be happy and it is okay to feel sad. It is also important to explain that it is inappropriate to joke about the death or laugh at the person who has died. A lot of parents find it helpful to involve a children’s charity or community to help with the cost of a funeral. The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help, and there are also similar funds in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Some children do not wish to attend a funeral and that is completely fine. If they do not have a strong relationship with the deceased, it can be uncomfortable for them to pretend to be upset at a ceremony that is not about them. They can still take part in a memorial service later with their family and friends, though. Some children may also regret not attending a funeral at some point in their lives, especially if they feel that they were not invited. It is important to respect this decision and ask if there are any ways that you can help them with their grief in the future. If you are concerned that your child is struggling, please seek professional help. A bereavement support worker can help a child process the loss of their sibling and support them in their grief journey. They can also help a family with practical issues such as finding accommodation and childcare for other children during the mourning process.

As any new parent knows, babies grow fast and can go through a lot of clothes in a day. A basic supply of baby clothing can help your little one stay comfortable and look cute. When shopping for newborns, look for soft fabric that’s easy to take off and on — a jumpsuit or bodysuit with snaps at the crotch is popular. A onesie that snaps at the chest or shoulders is another option. Regardless of the type of clothing, cotton tends to keep babies cool and comfortable because it breathes well. A fabric that wicks moisture is also important. Newborns can’t regulate their temperature as well as older children or adults, so it’s important to dress them warmly. In wintertime, consider getting a coat or zip-up down snowsuit to protect your baby from the elements. A baby’s first birthday is a special occasion. Consider buying a onesie that says “one year old” or something similar to commemorate the event. Many stores have gift registries where you can specify the items you want. When registering, it is helpful to think about how many of each size of clothing you will need. When it comes to sizing, the size on the label is often the maximum limit. If you’re unsure of what size to buy, ask friends and family who have young babies or consult the advice provided by your doctor. Also, keep in mind that cotton clothing shrinks slightly, so it may be wise to size up a bit. While there are plenty of gender-specific clothes on the market, some parents prefer to purchase neutral or unisex clothing. Gender-neutral outfits aren’t as widely available, but they do exist. The brand Kate Quinn has a line of gender-neutral pieces that include ruffle bum leggings in garnet wisteria and tops in a variety of hues, including twilight mauve, pearwood and graphite. Some parents like to dress their baby in a special outfit on their big day or during special occasions, but this isn’t a necessity. Ultimately, your baby will only be as happy and comfortable in an outfit that is chosen by them. Before purchasing any clothing for your baby, be sure to check the tag for a low fire hazard rating. In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid clothes that have beading, threads or drawstrings. These can be choking or strangulation risks for infants.

The clothing we choose to dress our loved ones in for their funerals, wakes and burials can make a difference when it comes to honoring them. With a little consideration for the deceased’s personal style, religious beliefs and other factors, you can find attire that makes their final journey graceful. Burial gowns are garments that help the deceased look their best while in a casket and are often made of soft or satin-like materials. They’re available for men and women, and can be designed with a religious motif or even as a reversible dress that can show the deceased’s bare legs when they are lowered into the grave. Some designers, like Mark Mitchell of Seattle, use couture and heirloom sewing techniques to create one-of-a-kind custom burial outfits. Some designers have also combined art and science, such as Pia Interlandi of Australia, whose Garments for the Grave collection uses water-soluble fibers to create clothes that are both beautiful and functional. Mitchell and Interlandi are both members of the Slow Fashion movement, which advocates for the sustainable use of fabric and slowing down production and consumption to reduce environmental impact. In the 17th century, many women made their own burial gowns. They would lay out the dress they wanted to be buried in before going into labor, so that they would know what to wear if something went wrong and they died during childbirth. Today, many women who choose to buy burial outfits do so as a way to honor their spouse, children or parents. For those who choose green or natural burials, the clothing they are buried in must be biodegradable and made from untreated and natural fibers such as cotton, wool or linen. These clothing guidelines are typically imposed by cemeteries and natural burial grounds due to environmental concerns. Choosing the right clothing for your loved one may seem daunting at first. Many of the deceased’s normal clothing won’t fit them at the time of death due to rigor mortis and some may be inappropriate due to their religion or burial method. It is a good idea to check with your funeral home to see what their specific guidelines are for the deceased’s final clothing needs. Beverly Duckett of Whittle Springs, Tennessee, sews her own tiny burial garments in her bright second-floor sewing room to provide comfort for families of infants who will never come home from the hospital. Her angel gown projects (along with diapers and knitted caps for the tiniest preemies) are a much-needed relief for moms and dads who are already mourning their lost babies. Aside from the considerations of size and fabric, a lot depends on the deceased’s religion. In Islam, for example, the body must be washed and covered in a white sheet immediately after death. For Jewish people, the body is wrapped in simple shrouds known as tachrichim and topped with a tallit or prayer shawl. For Catholics, the standard clothing for viewing and funeral is a suit or formal dress.