Month: December 2024

Many brides dream of their wedding day and the perfect dress that will make them feel their best. Unfortunately, it can be expensive to purchase a new gown and many women do not have the means to do so. If you are a recent bride with a used wedding dress that you no longer need, consider donating it to a bride in need. You can give the gown a second life and help a bride with limited budget make her dreams come true. Donated dresses are often sold in thrift stores to raise money for the charity of the donor’s choice. They are also used by nonprofit organizations that provide brides in need with affordable gowns for their big day. It is important to note that if you choose to donate your dress, it must be in pristine condition and free of stains. One small stain can ruin the entire look of the dress, especially if it is white. Having your dress dry cleaned before donating it is a good idea to ensure it will meet the charity’s high standards. It is also a good idea to have your dress professionally packed before shipping it to the charity. Using acid-free boxes and packing materials can keep your dress safe and secure while in transit. It is also a good idea to label the box with helpful information about your dress to save time for the charity volunteers and avoid confusion with other donations. For example, you might include the size of your gown, the brand or designer name and the year it was purchased. Before donating your dress, it is a good idea to contact the organization you plan on sending it to and ask for specific guidelines. Most charities require that your dress is less than five years old and should be in good condition. If you have any questions or concerns, you should speak to a member of the charity’s staff before submitting your dress. Some local options for donating your wedding dress include the Salvation Army and Goodwill stores. Some bridal shops, like Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland, also accept wedding dress donations and sell them at a discount to benefit the nonprofit Success in Style. Another great option is to donate your dress to Brides Across America, a nonprofit that supports military and first responder brides by gifting them with the dress of their dreams. The charity holds Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year and has outfitted more than 26,000 brides with wedding gowns since 2008. You can find their online form to submit your gown and other wedding accessories for consideration. Adele Puccio, the director of the Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, collects and shares preowned gowns as a hobby. Her collection of over 100 dresses became a community sensation after word spread about the donation project. Puccio’s goal is to help brides in need of a wedding dress find their “yes” and her collection continues to grow.

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WESTFIELD—When a baby is born too soon, or passes away in the neonatal unit, a gown made from donated wedding dresses can be a comforting reminder of their short time together. The program is called Alberta Angel Dresses, and it was started by Metha Alberda, a seamstress from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She has turned dozens of bridal dresses into tiny garments for families who lose an infant before or shortly after birth. The dresses are adorned with lace, ribbons and bows, then washed and cut apart to create the small outfits. They’re given to parents for final photos or for dressing their little one before burial. The gowns are sized to fit the tiniest preemies, and they’re also used for stillborns and infants who die due to complications of prematurity or other reasons. The gowns are worn as a way to say a final farewell to the child, says Carolyn Grubbs, who heads up the newborn bereavement program at Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis. “For many, this is their last time they’ll ever see their little one,” she says. “This gives them a way to hold their little one.” Judi Mangiaracina, a bereavement coordinator at Riley, has seen the impact of the program firsthand. She’s worked with the family of a baby girl named Karolina, who was delivered at 37 weeks and died in the NICU. The family cherished the time they had with her, and the outfit she wore for the four days that she was alive is an irreplaceable keepsake. “Karolina’s angel gown will be with us forever,” her mother wrote in a letter to Riley. “We are so grateful for the beautiful gown you provided for her.” A column I wrote about the program in 2017 prompted an incredible response. People called or emailed me with their stories, including an Akron woman who lost her daughter to complications from premature birth. She contacted Hillary’s Cherished Gowns, a nonprofit group of seamstresses who sew the outfits. The organization has distributed more than 300 gowns to area hospitals, and more are on the way. Other groups across the country are doing similar work, and many of them depend on donations of wedding dresses that are deconstructed into the tiny outfits. I spoke with some of them to learn more about the work they do and how you can help. In addition to these local groups, there are international organizations that turn wedding dresses into angel gowns. With a donation of $100, you can follow your dress on its journey to a developing country (Guatemala is currently the destination) and meet the seamstress who will make it for you. It’s a special way to connect with your donation, and it’s available to all.

A child funeral is a ceremony that honors a life that ended too soon. It can be a special time to share memories and celebrate the hopes and dreams of a life lived, but it can also help parents find closure as they process their loss. Whether you choose to have a traditional funeral or a simple memorial service, it is important to make the right choices for your family. Children often don’t know what to expect from a funeral, but it is important to talk with them about it in an age appropriate way. Explaining what will happen before, during and after the ceremony can help them decide if they want to attend or not. Let their questions and natural curiosity guide the conversation, but be careful to use words that won’t scare them. Some of the things you might mention include singing, a casket or urn and religious rituals that might be part of the service. It is also important to discuss what will happen if they choose not to attend and to provide them with alternative ways of saying goodbye. Even if a child decides to attend, they may have some anxiety about what they will see at the ceremony. It is helpful to talk about the options and allow them to be a part of planning the funeral to reduce their uncertainty and build their sense of control. It is also important to provide them with some time off from the busyness of the funeral so they can focus on what is most meaningful to them. During the service, it is normal for children to feel overwhelmed or bored. Having activities and snacks on hand that can be used as distractions can help them stay engaged and comfortable. It is also a good idea to plan ahead for the length of the funeral so they know how long it will last and have a place where they can go if they need a break. Having a trusted adult who can care for them and take them for breaks can also be helpful. After the service, it is important to have a discussion with the child about what they saw and experienced. Ask them what was most meaningful to them and if they have any questions or concerns. Be sure to listen and answer them, even if it is simply to say you understand and respect their decision not to attend. This can also be a great opportunity to correct any misinformation or misunderstandings that could have contributed to their decision not to attend. Lastly, it is helpful to have someone available to care for the other children during the funeral if you choose to attend your child’s service. This person can help manage their needs and keep them safe, so that you have the space you need to process your own feelings of grief and loss. This can be a friend, grandparent or family member who you trust to care for the other children in your household.

Many expectant parents are confused about what kinds of clothes their newborns will need. The good news is, baby clothes are relatively simple, and the basics should last for a long time. Whether you’re buying new or second-hand, consider buying some organic cotton clothing for your baby. Conventional cotton uses a large amount of potentially harmful chemicals in production. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown without the use of any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Babies grow fast, so you’ll likely need to buy a few sets of clothes in each size. Some experts recommend purchasing a minimum of 15 pieces of each size, including bodysuits, gowns, pants, socks and shoes. It’s also a good idea to have some warm outer clothing on hand, such as sweaters or ponchos. Baby clothes are usually made from soft, stretchy fabrics that are comfortable against baby’s sensitive skin. In general, cotton is a good choice because it’s naturally cool and absorbent and washes well. Cotton is also better for the environment than synthetic fabric, which can be rough on infants’ delicate skin and often cause rashes. While it’s tempting to get every little thing you can think of, the truth is, you won’t wear most of the items in your baby’s wardrobe more than once or twice. Baby clothes are often designed for quick dressing and undressing, which makes them easy for you and baby. For example, a onesie that snaps across the front is ideal for babies, as it doesn’t require pulling over the head and can be easier on the sensitive umbilical cord stump and milk tummy. Other options include long-sleeve kimono style shirts that layer over the belly and fasten at the side (similar to an open dress). In addition to onesies and rompers, consider getting some shorts, bloomers or pants in the 000 size. These bottoms will help to keep baby warm and cover the nappy for diaper changes. In warmer weather, you can pair these with a shirt or bodysuit. Having some socks in your baby’s wardrobe is also helpful, as their feet are often colder than ours, Smith says. A pair of soft skull caps or hats will also keep your baby warm—babies lose a lot of heat through their heads and can easily get chilly in the early weeks. Finally, a pair of booties or slippers will keep your baby’s feet warm. A bib is an absolute necessity for mealtime. Look for a bib that can be positioned comfortably around baby’s neck and has adjustable fastenings to ensure a secure fit. For special occasions, you can also pick up a few dressy tops and dresses for your baby. These outfits will be handy for photos and meeting family and friends.

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Choosing funeral attire for a loved one can be an incredibly difficult task. It’s important to take your time and make thoughtful choices, taking into consideration their personal style and any cultural or religious traditions they may have followed. If your loved one left behind a will or other written instructions, this can also give you clues as to their wishes regarding burial outfits. Traditionally, people are buried in clothing they were wearing in their last moments of life. This can be anything from a suit and tie to jeans and a t-shirt. If they had a particular hobby, you might want to consider incorporating that into your decision as well, for example a Harley-Davidson jacket or a favourite pair of boots. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always ask a professional funeral director for guidance and assistance. They’ll be able to offer helpful tips and recommendations, ensuring that you choose clothing that will honour your loved one. While many families prefer to bury their loved ones in their own clothes, there are situations where this isn’t possible. For instance, if your loved one has passed away very suddenly or they’ve lost a great deal of weight, their own clothing may be too big or feel uncomfortable. Luckily, there are numerous companies that specialise in creating burial gowns and wraps for babies and adults, allowing them to rest in peace with dignity. Diane Wright, a Grandview United Methodist Church member, started sewing baby burial garments after her nurse practitioner granddaughter told her about a project in Indiana that provided burial gowns for stillborn infants from repurposed wedding dresses. The organization, Little Angel Gowns, works with hospitals to provide the delicate garments for free. The process is a labor of love for those involved. Typically, each piece takes about four hours to sew. Wright and her fellow seamstresses make three sizes of wraps and four sizes of gowns for a range of fetal gestation and birth weights, from 2 to 8 pounds. They’re available to hospitals, midwives, and funeral homes, who are then able to provide the gowns directly to parents. Some of the gowns feature religious motifs, such as the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals, while others are more simple and unisex, so they’re suitable for either gender. They are crafted from soft and satin-like fabrics and come in a variety of appealing colours. For those who have lost a large amount of weight, bariatric burial gowns are also available to ensure that your loved one is dressed with dignity. While the choice of funeral attire can be extremely emotional, it’s important to remember that your loved one will be eternally beautiful no matter what they are buried in. If they were a lover of a certain colour, a subtle pastel outfit can convey serenity and peace. You might also opt for a classic black ensemble, which exudes elegance and solemnity. Complete the look with closed-toe shoes and minimal jewellery to keep things elegantly simple.

Many brides choose to donate their wedding dresses after the big day. There are plenty of organizations that will accept your dress, ranging from charities to used clothing stores for different causes. For example, Michigan-based The Brides Project will sell your dress to raise money for breast cancer research and other programs at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. They also work with NICU Helping Hands to repurpose wedding gowns into “angel gowns” that families can use to wrap their deceased babies in during their final moments. The organization works with about 180 seamstresses who are volunteers from around the country to create the specialized gowns. You can also find charities that will resell your gown to benefit a specific cause, such as Shared Dream Dresses. This Facebook group was started by librarian Adele Puccio to give brides who can’t afford a new wedding dress the opportunity to wear their dream dress again. Her collection contains more than 200 dresses, including ones worn by brides who lost their original gown in a fire and one of Puccio’s own from 1985. The organization’s guidelines state that they will only accept gowns less than three years old and in good condition. They prefer trumpet, A-line and ballgown designs. They will also accept bridesmaid and flower girl dresses and bridal accessories. Another option is donating your gown to Brides Against Breast Cancer, a national organization that will resell your dress and use the proceeds to provide financial assistance to women with cancer. You’ll have to email the charity before donating your dress to make sure they will accept it. Other options include selling your gown on a local buy/sell/trade site, such as Craigslist. Many thrift stores, such as Goodwill, will also accept your dress. They may have a specific donation area or a page on their website with instructions for how to drop off your dress. Some charities and thrift shops will not accept your dress if it has visible stains or is damaged in any way. Others may impose other restrictions, such as requiring the gown to be cleaned before being donated. Before you donate your dress, check out the organization’s website to find out more about their vetting process and donation policies. If you have any questions, contact the charity directly before donating. They will be able to give you specific instructions for how to prepare your gown for donation and how to safely pack it up. You can also look up fun ways to repurpose your dress before you donate it. You could dye it another color or refashion it into something else, such as a cocktail dress or home decor piece. Some people even get creative and turn their gowns into baby clothes or maternity dresses for expecting moms. You can also make a ring pillow out of your dress or use the fabric to create keepsake blankets for children or pillows for loved ones who have passed away.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are times of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. One such moment occurs when a newborn child dies during or shortly after birth, and it can leave families with grief and a sense of loss that will never go away. One group of women offers hope in this most difficult time by lovingly transforming donated wedding dresses into angel gowns. The angel gowns are given to families to honor their child and help them remember the special day they lost their little one. They can be worn for photos or for burial. Many of the women who make them are volunteers, and they give their time to support those grieving the loss of an infant. They are often also seamstresses who make a living by sewing clothing, and they use their skills to offer these beautiful gowns to the parents of infants who die before, during or after birth. These angel gowns are made from the silks, satins and lace of wedding dresses that would otherwise be discarded. They are adorned with pearls, beads and embroidery. For girls, the gowns are made into dresses; for boys, they are adorned with tiny bow ties or vests. The volunteers also make blankets and caps to match each gown. They also sew prayer shawls for those who are ill or bereaved. They work quietly, without much fanfare. Edith Kalahar, a retired grandmother from Lansing, Michigan, is among those who volunteers. She read about the project in a newspaper and was inspired to help. A seamstress, she began to transform donated wedding dresses into memorial and burial gowns for babies who die in Sparrow Hospital’s NICU. She started to recruit friends and co-workers at her job as a cardiovascular surgery nurse in Mayo Clinic’s cardiovascular surgery ICU to join her effort. Now, she and other seamstresses from throughout the country — including those in Ohio — work to create these little treasures, which are distributed to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes free of charge for families who need them. The gowns are part of Touching Little Lives, a non-profit that serves grieving parents by providing gifts for their angel babies. Each gown costs about $100 to make, and Touching Little Lives sends them to about 50 hospitals in Ohio and a few in other states. When a hospital requests a shipment of angel gowns, Bauer is one of the first people they contact. Currently, she sews the gowns at her home, and she will soon be able to move to a new location that will enable her to increase production. She has a waiting list of more than 100 dresses. She is always looking for more supplies, such as yarn and lap blankets to go with the gowns. If you’re interested in donating a dress, click here for more information. You can also donate money to purchase embellishments such as ribbon, fabric ribbon, thread, sew-in Velcro and soft fleece.