Month: November 2024

Choosing a wedding dress can be one of the most emotional, not to mention expensive, aspects of getting married. And while brides often keep their gowns as a memento of their special day, many also end up donating their dresses once they’re no longer needed. This not only gives their dress a new life, but it also helps others who may not be able afford to purchase a brand-new wedding dress. Donating a wedding dress can also free up closet space and reduce waste. If you’re planning to donate your dress, there are a few things to consider first. For example, you’ll want to make sure that your dress is clean and in good condition. A worn wedding gown can be home to rats, insects, and molds that will damage it if not properly stored. So it’s a good idea to have your dress dry cleaned before bringing it to a donation center. It’s also important to pack your gown well so that it doesn’t get damaged during transport. Some charities have specific guidelines on how to prepare and pack a wedding dress for donation. If you’re not sure how to do this, or you have questions about your dress’s condition, call the charity before bringing it in. They’ll be able to give you the best advice on how to prepare and pack your gown. Many women who have donated their wedding dresses say they’ve found it to be a rewarding experience. For some, like librarian Adele Puccio, whose collection has grown to nearly 60 dresses, it’s more than just a way to recycle. “I think that we have a sense of wanting to share with other brides who are not as financially strong,” she says. “It’s a nice feeling that you have something to give back that will be appreciated.” Other donors use their gowns to raise money for different causes. The Salvation Army, for example, uses the money raised from selling donated clothing to help people in need. The organization’s website has a list of locations that accept donations. Other organizations use wedding gowns to support families that have lost a baby or child in the hospital. They’re transformed into infant burial gowns, or angel gowns, and given to hospitals, birthing centers, and funeral homes. NICU Helping Hands, for example, provides these gowns to families who have had premature babies. Other charities have specific guidelines on how to prepare and package a wedding dress for donation. Typically, the dress will be sold in their thrift stores at a discounted price, and the proceeds are used to help fund their charitable programs. Goodwill is one of the most famous thrift stores in America and accepts almost any kind of clothing donation, including wedding dresses. Their site has a list of locations that accepts donations and offers instructions on how to ship your dress.

Across the country, volunteer seamstresses like Terry Bauer stitch up gowns from donated wedding dresses. Those little burial garments, also known as angel gowns, are then offered to hospitals and families for free. For those who have suffered the unimaginable loss of an infant, the gown is a small measure of comfort. Bauer, a nurse in the cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo Clinic, sees firsthand how important it is to provide these gowns for grieving families. Bauer started a Facebook page, Angel Gowns of Central Ohio, to collect the dresses used to make the tiny garments, and she sends a box of them each month to area hospitals. The gowns are sized to fit any baby, from micro-preemies to those born full term. “It’s just one way that I can serve families who are going through the loss of their child,” she says. She has heard of hospitals using towels, and she says many families purchase doll clothes to bury their babies in. “With these gowns, it’s just one less thing that they have to worry about,” she adds. For many families, the gown is a cherished keepsake that allows them to take a photograph of their baby, if they choose to do so. It is a symbol of their baby’s life and a reminder of the love they have for him or her. In addition to angel gowns, she and her volunteers also make blankets, prayer shawls, and caps for infants who are born with medical complications. Often, these children do not survive their births, but the blankets help to keep the parents warm and comfortable. Bauer and her group hope to continue to expand their reach, too. They would like to have a presence at local hospital baby showers and have been invited to speak about their work at church services, community events, and other meetings. They are also working on a website to make it easier for people from other parts of the state to request gowns. The Northridge Hospital team pictured here is happy to be a part of the program, and the initial box of angel gowns has already been delivered to them. Those who are interested in donating their wedding dresses to this special project can learn more about the international program by clicking here. This allows donors to follow the journey of their dresses to a developing country, virtually meet their seamstress, and even send some of their gowns back to their states for donation. 626,000 infants die each year in the US from stillbirth or miscarriage, and many of their families do not have a gown for them. Each of these precious angels deserve to be remembered and celebrated. We thank our partners at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach for collaborating with us to deliver these special gowns to grieving families. Please support our journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Ads help us bring you more of the content you love.

When a child dies, parents need a way to say goodbye and honor the life that was lived. A child funeral provides a time for family and friends to mourn together in a ritual that is unique and special for a baby or small child. The child’s age, temperament and attention span should guide the planning and execution of this event. A child funeral can be as simple or complex as the family prefers. It can involve a religious ceremony led by the funeral director or an officiant or it can be completely secular and not affiliated with any faith at all. It can take place at the funeral home or church or in a private setting such as the home of a relative. It can include a memorial service or a graveside ceremony at the cemetery. If the family is having a viewing and open casket at a funeral home or other location, it’s important to explain what will happen before and during that portion of the ceremony. Use the child’s natural curiosity as a guide and share with them as much detail as they seem interested in hearing. This will help them to feel more prepared and safe. Some children may want to view their sibling’s body. If so, it’s important to reassure them that their sibling will not be in pain or cold and that it is ok for them to touch their brother or sister (with close adult supervision). If your child is having the body cremated instead of buried, you can still talk with them about this in advance and answer any questions they might have. It’s also helpful to let them know that the ashes will be returned to them in a box and they can choose whether or not to display them or keep them at home. It’s also a good idea to plan for the child to participate in some way during the funeral services or memorialization. For example, siblings often like to read a poem or prayer at a service or write a letter to their baby brother or sister. You can arrange to have these included in the service or in a book that is available afterward. Other kids love to scatter flower petals or balloons with messages attached at the graveside, again with close adult supervision. Some parents do not want their child to attend a funeral because they feel that the heightened emotions and environment will be too difficult for them. This is a very personal decision and should be made by the parents. However, if a parent’s parental intuition tells them that their child will not be able to handle the funeral or any of its related events, they should follow their instincts.

Getting ready to welcome a new baby into your life is one of the most exciting times you will ever experience. It is also a time to make smart shopping choices for your little bundle of joy, from the clothes they wear to the items they use every day. The right baby clothing is comfortable, durable, and easy to launder, ensuring that you will never be without the essentials. A good start to a newborn’s wardrobe is simple cotton bodysuits, which are inexpensive and easy to launder. They’re also the ideal base layer for a baby, as they keep a child’s back and tummy covered so they don’t become chilled while you change diapers or wipe them down. For extra warmth, opt for long-sleeve kimono tops and wraps with snaps. For infants who spend most of their time in the crib or stroller, sleep suits are a great option for both comfort and practicality. Unlike regular sleepwear, these outfits are designed to accommodate an infant’s body, allowing them to move freely and easily while keeping their hands and feet warm. For older babies who will be exploring their surroundings more, jumpers, hoodies, and cardigans are useful for keeping them warm on the go. It is also worth keeping in mind that young children are seldom happy about being dressed, so it’s important to select garments that are easy to put on and take off. Avoid outfits with multiple pieces that must be put on one at a time and those with lots of buttons, zippers, and snaps. Instead, choose pullover shirts that open on the shoulder to allow the garment to be slipped on quickly and outfits with velcro or snaps on the crotch, which make it easy to remove layers when your baby becomes overheated. When it comes to clothing, a hat is essential for protecting your baby’s head from the sun. Look for hats with a full crown, as they offer more coverage than those that are simply rolled up and wrapped around a small head. When it comes to shopping for baby clothes, a sustainable option is to purchase second-hand or recycled garments, as these are often still in excellent condition after having been worn by another child and washed many times. For those who prefer to shop for their child’s clothing new, brands like Burt’s Bees and H&M are committed to sustainability and offer a variety of organic options. Whether you’re buying for your own child, a friend or family member, or as a gift for a baby shower, there are plenty of unique and stylish options available to suit any budget. You can even find some outfits that feature the baby’s initials for a personalized touch. Creating a baby clothes collection is a wonderful way to help the environment and save money at the same time. Just remember to wash all garments before first use to remove any chemical residues. This will help ensure the garments last longer and are gentle on your child’s skin.

When a loved one passes away, you may be faced with deciding what clothing to wear to the funeral and burial. Whether you want to adhere to cultural or religious guidelines, the right outfit can help honor your departed loved one and provide comfort for those in attendance. Traditionally, burial attire leans towards formal or semi-formal. For men, this typically means a dark suit or a dress shirt and tie, paired with polished dress shoes. For women, a conservative dress or skirt that is below the knee and a blouse are appropriate. Other options include a white ensemble, which symbolizes purity and peace, or soft pastel colors that convey serenity. The choice of attire can be complicated, particularly if your loved one left behind instructions for their final wishes. Check for any specific guidance in their will or notes and follow those accordingly. It’s also important to consider the environment you’ll be attending – a service held in an indoor or outdoor location will have different requirements for attire. Many people have clothing that they wore regularly in life, such as jeans or a favorite dress. You might choose to bring that piece to the funeral service, as it can be a comfort to those closest to your loved one to see them in the same clothes they were in their last days. However, it’s not a requirement to do so. You can also use funeral dresses or robes that are provided by the funeral home, which often come in a range of sizes and materials to accommodate varying body shapes. If you’re choosing to add personal touches to your outfit, keep in mind that the body will be laying down and the outfit may not show up as well as it would on someone standing up. Likewise, jewelry will not be visible and should be kept to a minimum. When considering color choices, remember that black is the traditional option for mourning attire. However, dark grays and navy blues are acceptable alternatives that convey the same sense of solemnity. Other colors, such as soft pastels or pale pinks, can be used to honor a loved one’s memory in a way that is both respectful and dignified. Some cultures or religions have specific guidelines regarding the color of clothing that should be worn to a funeral or burial. It’s essential to consult with religious leaders or other knowledgeable individuals within your community to ensure that you are following the proper attire in accordance with these guidelines. Burial gowns are a simple way to add a layer of dignity to a funeral or burial ceremony. These garments are available in a variety of sizes, from small infant wraps to large adult gowns, and are designed to be gentle on delicate skin. Additionally, they’re made from durable material that can withstand the rigors of being handled and carried around.

If you’re a bride who has recently married, or even just a bride-to-be and have been hanging on to your wedding dress – don’t be afraid to donate it! Many organizations, especially those who resell used dresses for charity, will accept wedding gowns and give them new life. It is a great way to declutter your closet, and it gives someone else the chance to experience the day they’ve always dreamed of. Some of these organizations are so popular they have a waiting list and may close to donations during certain times of the year. The main goal of these groups is to help those who are unable to afford a dress for their special day or have been impacted by tragedies like the pandemic. Most of these dress charities also use their proceeds to support other causes such as cancer research, women’s empowerment, and other worthy causes. It’s important to do your homework and find the right charity for your gown before donating it. Most dress shops and charities that accept donated dresses have specific requirements for their donations, including age and condition. Some will charge a fee for cleaning and others will require that the dress is professionally cleaned before they will accept it. If you’re unsure of the best way to go about cleaning your dress, it is recommended that you contact the organization ahead of time and ask what their protocol is. Some of these dress shops will resell the dresses they receive to customers, while others donate them to other local charities, such as women’s shelters or those that aid women who have been victims of domestic violence. These dress reselling companies have websites that allow you to browse their collections and select the dresses you want to purchase. The prices for the dresses vary depending on the brand and style. Then there are other organizations such as NICU Helping Hands in the US, which have seamstresses across the country that painstakingly turn old wedding gowns into beautiful infant burial gowns for babies who pass away while stillborn or shortly after birth. They can be worn at the baby’s memorial service, as well as for photos. This is a very touching and heartwarming way to give your old bridal dress a second life. When choosing a company to sell your wedding dress, make sure they have a good reputation, and are reputable with the charities they work with. Those are the only ways to be confident that your gown is in safe hands and will help a deserving bride.

One in four women will experience an infant loss. It can be an unexpected blow that leaves families feeling empty and hopeless. At a time like this, little things can help. Angel gowns, or baby burial outfits, are made from donated wedding dresses and delivered to hospitals, funeral homes and families free of charge. When a colleague of Kathleen Sharp, a nurse at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, shared about her experience with the international program, it struck a chord with Sharp. She remembered her own personal struggle to conceive with her husband in the early years of their marriage and her son’s death at 18 weeks gestation. She also remembered the beautiful gown her son wore when he was placed with his brother in the hospital at a very difficult age. “I knew then and there I wanted to participate in this amazing way of giving back to families,” she said. Scrolling through Facebook, she found a woman who had started a group called Angel Gowns of Central Ohio to collect wedding dresses and sew them into tiny burial outfits for infants. Bauer, who retired from her home economics teacher job at Pickerington Schools in 2014 and had recently begun sewing for a hobby, was inspired to do the same. Bauer and her fellow seamstresses have likely sewn more than a thousand gowns in the last three years, delivering them to many hospitals across Ohio and the country. She says they have helped grieving families who are forced to bury their smallest of souls. She has heard of hospitals who have no angel gown programs and have seen babies buried in towels and clothing purchased for dolls, which can be harrowing for the grieving family. The gowns are worn for any infant who is resuscitated but is not expected to survive, or for those who have been born stillborn or died at the hospital. The gowns, which come in sizes to fit micro-preemies and those who are delivered full-term, are available to families at no cost. A similar effort is underway in New Zealand where a woman named Michelle has been making and distributing the gowns since she lost her own son at birth in 2012. The project is now an international movement with volunteers around the world making and donating gowns to their local communities and beyond. For Sharp and other women who have lost a child, the gowns are a way to honor their memories and give families the comfort of knowing they can dress their baby in something that is so much more than a simple gown. While nothing can make up for the pain of losing a baby, the gowns offer a small measure of peace and healing. To learn more about the program or to donate a wedding dress, visit the website of Angel Gowns International. To volunteer to sew with them, email [email protected]. The program also needs money for shipping.

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