Month: July 2024

A wedding dress can be a beautiful symbol of love and commitment, but it can also be a hefty investment. Unfortunately, many gowns end up languishing in the back of closets after the big day, never to be worn again. Instead, brides can donate their gowns to charities that support the bridal industry and help brides in need. There are a wide variety of organizations that accept wedding dress donations. Some organizations sell the dresses to raise money for various causes, while others repurpose the gowns into other products. If you’re planning to donate your wedding dress, be sure to check out the organization’s guidelines before dropping it off. Some charities require that you label the box with helpful information, like the dress’s size, the brand or designer and year of purchase. This can help save the charity volunteers’ time and prevent mistakes during the sorting process. The Brides Project in Ann Arbor, Michigan, sells donated wedding dresses to raise funds for free programming for families impacted by cancer. The organization has donated over $200,000 since its inception in 2012. Founder Nicole Stulgis says she created the group as “a way to give back and help people.” In addition to selling donated wedding dresses, The Brides Project repurposes gowns to make memorial gowns for children and infants who died. The nonprofit’s Angel Gown program allows family members to have a custom-made gown to take photos of the baby and to wear during the funeral service. If you’re interested in donating your gown to The Brides Project, you can contact the organization directly to get started. Alternatively, you can send the dress to a professional dry cleaner to have it preserved and stored until a bride needs it. Several local companies, including Janet Davis Cleaners in Royal Oak, offer this service. Another option is to donate the gown to a secondhand clothing store that accepts wedding dress donations. These stores may sell the dresses or repurpose them into other products, like robes and pillows. Many of these shops partner with bridal businesses to ensure that the dresses are of a high quality. Depending on the organization, wedding dress donations can be eligible for a tax deduction. If you’re unsure of the rules, it’s best to contact your local IRS office for details. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples are unable to afford their dream weddings. Donating your dress to a charity that helps brides in need can be an important and meaningful contribution.

Instead of brides carefully folding their wedding dresses to store them away for years, a handful of seamstresses across South Jersey are putting the pieces to good use. They’re helping grieving parents honor their lost babies by turning the dresses into tiny burial gowns known as angel gowns. It’s a small act, but a meaningful one, for the thousands of families who lose their babies each year. The garments are offered to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes free of charge. Those who receive them say it brings a sense of peace to see their baby wear a custom-made outfit made from a piece of clothing that once represented hope and happiness. A few months ago, nurse Judi Gibson published a column in her local paper seeking seamstresses to help her make these gowns for the babies who are stillborn or die in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She had seen the need firsthand. Her own son was born at 27 weeks premature and died in the NICU. The column prompted an amazing response. Within two weeks, Mangiaracina had received 56 donated dresses, and she’s now supplying them to hospitals in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene as well as to other states, including California, Texas, Oregon, and Minnesota. She’s also received donations of fabric and notions to help the volunteers who sew the gowns. For Edith Clark, a retired labor and delivery nurse who lives in Hot Springs Village, it was the perfect way to honor her own son who was stillborn four years ago. She saw a story about the angel gown program in a newspaper and knew she had to help. She started Tiny Angel Gowns in 2009, before she and her husband retired to the village. The nonprofit, which now has 280 providers from the Northeast to the Midwest and South, makes boy and girl burial outfits in five different sizes — fitting the tiniest preemies up through full-term infants. It also makes hats and diapers, as well as tiny fleece buntings for babies too small to dress. Lee and her fellow seamstresses often add details to the angel gowns, stitching phrases like “heaven’s angel” onto them. They’ve even sewed antique buttons from their grandmothers’ collections on to some of the outfits, and they’re starting to sew little bells into each outfit. The idea was inspired by the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, in which Jimmy Stewart’s character rings a bell after he helps a heartbroken family in need. The group, called NICU Helping Hands, now has 44 seamstresses who sew the outfits. Several have volunteered their time to deliver the outfits to hospitals in the area, including Baptist, UAMS and Ouachita Memorial in Camden. More are stepping up to volunteer, too. They’re hoping to reach as many hospitals as possible, and a website is being developed that will direct grieving parents in need of an angel gown to their closest provider. To learn more about donating a dress or volunteering to sew, visit the group’s Facebook page.

When someone close to a child dies, parents are often torn between whether their child should attend the funeral. If they decide to take the child, it is helpful to prepare them in advance for what will happen. A child funeral can be as simple or complex as the family wishes, but it is important to consider the impact on a child and what they will need in order to cope with the situation. It is useful to give children a roadmap ahead of time about what they can expect at the funeral: how long it will last, where it will be held, what people or things they may see there and even the clothes that are being worn. This will help them feel less fearful about what is going to happen and can also help to calm their anxieties if they are feeling restless or uncomfortable. Children can often be very frightened of the idea that they will die too, so it is a good idea to help them understand that it is only human beings who die and that it happens for all sorts of reasons. Having an open and honest discussion with your child about the reality of death at a time when they are in a very open and receptive mood can help them to deal with any difficult questions they might have. If the child is a sibling of the person who has died, it can be especially helpful to prepare them in advance for what they will see if their sibling’s body is on display, either at a visitation or at the funeral itself. If the casket will be closed, explaining that their sibling is laying in there fully dressed (including shoes) with their arms folded and their eyes closed can be comforting to them. If the body will be cremated, reassuring them that their sibling’s ashes won’t be there is important too. A child may be a bit frightened of seeing the expressions of grief that they will see from other people at the funeral. It is a good idea to remind them that everyone feels differently and that it is perfectly normal for grown-ups to be sad, angry or upset. Many children can find a funeral service quite upsetting, so it is important to allow them some space and time to be alone after the ceremony. This can help them to process the event and come to terms with it more slowly. It can also be helpful to have some quiet toys or books to keep them occupied and distracted if they become restless and fidgety. Some children who do not attend the funeral will later regret it, so it is a good idea to make the decision carefully. It is particularly important to be supportive of a child who decides not to attend the funeral, regardless of whether they later choose to come or not.

When it comes to baby clothing, it’s best to go with a trusted brand that has a reputation for quality and style. Gontcharova recommends Carter’s, which has a variety of options from onesies and pants to pajamas that will last through the year. The company also has a line of organic cotton clothes, which can be a great option for new parents seeking eco-friendly products for their little one. Other brands to consider include Baby Gap and Josie & Co, which offers outfits for newborns through toddlers in a range of colors and patterns. Onesies are a must-have for babies, and these brands offer soft options with snap-crotch features that make it easy to change diapers and dress them in a pinch. Some brands even offer fold over scratch mitts, which are designed to prevent young babies from accidentally scratching themselves. For warmer weather, look for rompers and dresses with a coordinating hat. These items are comfortable and versatile, perfect for outings with your little one. For winter, you’ll need heavier pieces like coats and hoodies to keep them warm on cold days, and wool-blend garments can help your child stay cozy during snowy outdoor strolls. A good rule of thumb for purchasing clothing is to purchase a size up from what the label suggests. Babies grow quickly, so they may need to be moved up in clothing size before you know it. You’ll also find that different brands have different size recommendations. Some brands run large or small, so pay attention to reviews on sizing and choose the brand that fits your child well. Baby clothing should be made of breathable fabrics, and cotton is an ideal choice for newborns. It’s hypoallergenic, easy to care for and can withstand high temperatures during washing. Many parents also prefer to purchase organic cotton, which is grown without any harmful chemicals. Other options include linen, hemp and bamboo. If you have an older child, you might want to consider a more durable fabric like fleece that’s water-resistant and can be used for outdoor activities. The most important thing to remember when shopping for infant clothing is that your child will need layers. Even if the temperature outside is mild, you should have a light jacket or vest handy for sudden changes in weather. And if you live in a cold climate, consider adding a snowsuit to your baby’s wardrobe. You’ll also want to have a few pairs of slippers, such as booties or slipper socks. These are useful for navigating slippery floors and keeping your little one’s feet warm while they play. And when it’s time for bed, consider footie pajamas that cover the whole body. These are easier to change when your baby needs a middle-of-the-night diaper change than onesies with snaps. Another brand to consider is Honest Baby, which offers a full assortment of organic garments for babies and toddlers. These clothing items are crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton and come in a variety of styles and designs.

When a loved one passes, it can be difficult to navigate the grieving process and make decisions. It is important to consider your loved ones style, preferences and religious beliefs in order to choose appropriate clothing for their funeral or memorial service. In addition, you may wish to incorporate traditional garments or symbols into their burial attire in an act of respect and remembrance. Many people who have experienced the loss of a loved one have been asked by family members to provide them with a set of burial clothes, such as clothing that they wore to work or school. This can be a great opportunity to honor a person who was close to you and reflect on their life’s journey. Burial gowns can be casual or formal, but they should reflect the person’s personality and style. You may want to consider the things that they liked to do or the hobbies that they enjoyed. If you are not sure what to choose, ask a friend or relative for their advice. They can help you find the garments that best represent your loved one. In antebellum America, people were buried in what are now known as burial shrouds and funeral clothes. They were similar to a modern day dress and typically opened from the back, making it easy to put on. During the Civil War, the death of a woman who was dressed in her wedding gown caused such a stir that the local newspaper reported that “she was a beautiful bride who had worn her white bridal robe to the tomb.” Today, funeral directors can supply you with a variety of different clothing to be buried in. They are available in a wide range of fabrics, including those that are eco-friendly and suitable for woodland burials. Some are designed to resemble evening wear and others, such as those with false shirt fronts, are meant to resemble daywear. A burial shroud is made of linen, a fabric that is eco-friendly and a natural material for green funerals. It is available in a variety of sizes, and can be embroidered or decorated. It can be used in conjunction with a casket or on its own. A funeral gown is a dress for a person who has passed away and is usually made of a dark-colored material such as black or navy blue. It is meant to evoke feelings of dignity and respect, while also providing a soft, comfortable cover for the body. It can be adorned with embroidery or other decorative elements, and can be tailored to reflect the person’s personality and preferences.

In the aftermath of your wedding day, many brides choose to donate their dresses rather than hang them up in storage. Not only does this free up space in your closet, but it also helps those who cannot afford to buy a dress their own. And, according to GreenDrop, the production of new clothing and textiles contributes 10% of global carbon emissions, which means donating your used wedding gown is a great way to help save the environment. Several charities offer a variety of ways for brides to donate their wedding gowns, whether it is by reselling the dress or giving it directly to someone in need. Some of these include: Brides for a Cause This nonprofit bridal store resells wedding dresses and raises funds for dozens of women-focused charities in cities across the country. It accepts dresses that are five years old or less, and bridal accessories like veils. The organization has donated more than $1 million since 2012, including to charities that support military wives, single mothers and those impacted by cancer. Donations can be dropped off at a local store or mailed. The Emma and Evan Foundation This charity turns wedding gown donations into burial gowns for infants that have died in infancy, as well as bonnets and other keepsake items to give to grieving families. It accepts any type of wedding dress, mother-of-the-bride dresses and flower girl dresses, but the dresses should be no more than five years old. Donations are tax deductible, and the organization has specific instructions for mailing the dress. Adorned in Grace This faith-based nonprofit works to bring churches together to fight human trafficking, and they do this by selling used dresses and formalwear at their stores. The sales from these sales help to fund anti-trafficking mentoring for young girls, awareness publications and more. Donations can be dropped off at redesigned boutiques in Washington and Oregon or through the mail. Before you decide to donate your wedding gown, make sure it is clean and in good condition. This will prevent it from developing mold in the storage facility or becoming a health hazard for those who receive the donation. It is also helpful to label the box with all of the pertinent information, including the size of the dress, the brand or designer and the year it was purchased. This will save volunteers time and prevent them from mistaking your dress for another. It will also keep the charity informed if there are any alterations or repairs that need to be made to the gown. The organization may contact you with these details if necessary.

We’re all familiar with the saying “you only wear your wedding dress once.” After the big day, most brides carefully fold it away to be stored in a closet or drawer for years to come. But a Pennsauken woman is taking that gown and putting it to good use. Jean Lee helps turn donated wedding dresses into tiny onesies for babies who have been born prematurely or lost due to miscarriage or stillbirth. The outfits are known as angel gowns or angel wraps. In her spare time, the retired schoolteacher enjoys repurposing bridal gowns and creating keepsake items for grieving families. She’s made several dozen angel gowns for families and has a few more in the works. She has also created baby blankets, sleeping bags and fabric hearts for the babies. The creations allow the parents to feel like their babies have a little piece of them with them in heaven. Every year, thousands of infants are born too soon or with medical conditions that lead to their deaths. Many of those are very small, which limits what type of clothing they can be dressed in for photos or burying. Alberta Angel Dresses is a volunteer organization that provides repurposed bridal gowns for these infants. The gowns and wraps are offered to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes or directly to the families for free. Metha Alberda is one of 18 volunteer seamstresses across the province who help create these precious angel gowns. As a nurse in the cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo Clinic, Lynn Gaber has seen many children lose their lives to premature delivery or severe health conditions. She has seen their parents endure unfathomable pain, and she wants to do what she can to comfort them. Gaber has worked at the clinic for 37 years, and she knows that despite her best efforts, sometimes there is nothing a physician can do to save a child’s life. But she also believes that giving the grieving family something to hold on to and remember can bring them a little measure of peace. ABOUT ANGEL GOWNS OF WNY In April of 2014, Missy Ray founded Angel Gowns of WNY, a nonprofit that takes donated wedding dresses and turns them into final photo and burial gowns for children who were sadly born too early or lost their lives. The group was able to secure 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporation in September of that year and is now accepting donations of wedding dresses for their next project. The group distributes the angel gowns to any hospital, infant loss organization or funeral home in WNY at no charge to the family. They hope to be able to provide one to every family that needs it. Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center is proud to partner with Angel Gowns of WNY to offer these beautiful gowns for families in need. The hospital’s Labor & Delivery and NICU nurses were delighted to receive their first box of angel gowns in July of 2023.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. Parents whose babies are born stillborn or die shortly after birth often find comfort in receiving a special angel gown. These one-of-a-kind dresses are made from donated wedding dresses, transforming them into tiny works of art that honor and comfort families who have experienced a loss. They are a beautiful way to celebrate a child who may never come home. A few years ago, a nurse named Judi Gibson launched a program to provide these gowns at Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis. She recruited local seamstresses to help make the gowns, but the need for gowns quickly became too much for just one person. That’s when Edith Wright came on the scene. Wright, who lives in Portsmouth, Virginia, is a seamstress coordinator for the international program. She has been a part of the organization since 2015. Wright has given hundreds of gowns to Sparrow Hospital, now AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, and has even seeded other ministries through her work by sharing the patterns she uses to make these small works of art. “It’s a sad job, but it’s done with love,” she says. The gowns are made from wedding silks and satins, beads, pearls, lace, and tulle. The women who make them spend about two hours a day sewing each dress. They use a small machine and a needle that is smaller than a sewing needle, making the process painless. Many of the seamstresses are retired or live on a fixed income and still find the time to devote to this project. They also find that it is a healing experience for themselves. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 626,000 babies are born through stillbirth or miscarriage each year. For families whose children are born or lose their lives in the NICU, this one-of-a-kind gown is a meaningful and symbolic keepsake of their loved ones. The nurses who hand these dresses out to their grieving patients say they are the most precious thing they do. Each angel gown is a symbol of hope, comfort, and love for the family who receives it. They serve to help the parents heal and move forward with their lives. ND Angel Gowns has distributed the gowns to hospitals like Sanford and CHI St. Alexius Health and hope to continue to reach more families in need. “They are so beautiful, and they bring tears of joy, and that’s what I really want to see for these families,” said ND Angel Gowns director Michelle Bjornstad. To learn more about how you can help, visit the ND Angel Gowns website or call (701) 580-4560. You can donate money or a new or used wedding dress to the cause. You can even get involved through volunteering. You can also find the Facebook page for ND Angel Gowns here.

The death of a child is a heartbreaking tragedy that affects all members of the family. It’s important that parents and other caregivers understand what a child funeral is, how it differs from an adult funeral, and the many things that can be done to make it as smooth and healing an experience as possible for everyone involved. A child funeral can take place in a church, chapel, or at home and can be as simple or as elaborate as the family wishes. Typically, a funeral service for a child is a private affair, with only close family and friends in attendance. Some families choose to have a public memorial service for their child and invite friends and family to come and celebrate the life of their son or daughter. This can be a very emotional event, but it is also a great way to honor the deceased and to share memories of them. If you decide to have a memorial service, it may be helpful to have an older relative or friend act as “funeral buddy.” This person can play with the children during the services and help them stay engaged. They can also keep an eye on them and help them if they start to show signs of distress or discomfort. It is important that you explain to the children what will happen at the funeral in an age-appropriate manner. It’s best to give them as much information as they can handle at one time, but don’t be afraid to go over topics again later if they need it. Children will need to process grief in different ways and each will react differently at the funeral. Some children will cry and others may not shed any tears, while some may be angry or withdrawn. It is important to remember that these reactions are normal and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some parents choose to have their child’s casket or urn displayed at the funeral, which can be a comforting and familiar sight for the family. If you do choose to have your child’s body displayed, be sure to talk with the funeral directors about what options are available for the day of the funeral. You can also decorate the funeral venue with items that were special to your child. From flowers to teddy bears, it’s important that you choose decor that reflects their personality and life. If you have any concerns about the cost of a funeral for your child, it is worth talking to your funeral director as they can provide advice and may be able to offer financial support. If you need further assistance, the Money Advice Service has more information on help paying for funeral costs.

A baby’s wardrobe is a wondrous thing—an ever-changing assortment of clothes that speaks of endless snuggles, first giggles, and tiny toes tapping to the rhythm of their own heartbeat. But with so many different types of baby clothing available, navigating the best options for your newborn or infant can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are a few key pieces you should always have on hand to ensure your little one is cozy and comfortable, whatever the season may be. The backbone of any baby’s wardrobe is the versatile bodysuit. These one-piece outfits snap between the legs, allowing you to dress your child without fuss and without exposing any sensitive skin. The best bodysuits are made of soft materials that breathe and can be worn alone or layered for warmth. You’ll also want to select a few options in various sizes, as babies grow fast. Rompers are another outfit staple. Similar to a bodysuit but with added design features (like ruffles or a 2-in-1 convertible style that switches from footie pajamas to pants) these one-pieces can be dressed up for a casual playdate, a stroll around the block, or a photo shoot. Rompers are typically made of soft cotton and come in a range of prints, making them perfect for baby boys or girls. During colder seasons, layering is key. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and wool, and consider selecting a few jackets or outerwear options to help your child stay warm. A light jacket is usually enough to keep your baby cozy, while a heavier option will be essential in harsher climates. Don’t forget to stock up on some hats and mittens too, as these can help your baby retain heat and protect their delicate skin from harsh winds or sunburn. As the weather gets warmer, you’ll want to include some short-sleeved tops and dresses in your baby’s closet. These can be layered with one of your baby’s favorite vests or blankets for extra warmth. You’ll also want to stock up on some summer-friendly accessories, such as a hat or sunhat that matches your little one’s outfit. A good place to start when searching for the best baby clothing is to opt for organic options. These garments are made from cotton and other natural fibers that have been grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. In addition to being eco-friendly, organic cotton is super-soft and gentle on babies’ delicate skin.