Year: 2024

A wedding dress is a symbol of love and joy, but its life doesn’t have to end once the big day is over. Many gowns sit in closets or on display and collect dust, but you can give it a new life by donating it to a worthy cause or organization. Many charities and thrift stores accept wedding dresses, making it a simple way to make a difference and reduce waste. Before you start packing up your dress, make sure it is in good condition. If you are unsure about how to pack your dress or have any other questions, contact the charity to ask them. This will save them time and effort, and ensure that your dress is donated properly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have the dress dry cleaned before sending it off to avoid any damage to the fabric. Goodwill is a household name, but many people are unaware that they also accept wedding dresses. These donations are then sold in their thrift stores at a discounted price and the proceeds go to fund various charitable programs. Goodwill also hosts yearly bridal events where they showcase the gowns that were donated by brides. NICU Helping Hands accepts wedding dresses and transforms them into beautiful infant burial gowns (also known as Angel Gowns). These are then offered to families for free at hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and directly to grieving parents. The nonprofit works with about 180 seamstresses across the country to turn donated wedding gowns into these beautiful keepsakes for grieving families. Brides Against Breast Cancer sells preowned wedding dresses at affordable prices and uses the proceeds to support breast cancer awareness and prevention programs. Their website provides information on how to donate your dress, including specific instructions for preparing and shipping it. Adorned in Grace sells used wedding dresses in Washington and Oregon to support a number of social justice causes. This includes youth mentoring programs, sex trafficking advocacy, and professional counseling for survivors. The charity has three dress shops that are open to the public, and their website has instructions on how to drop off a dress. Shared Dream Dresses is a Facebook group that matches brides in need with wedding dresses that have been donated by other brides. The nonprofit has gifted over 28,000 wedding dresses to military and first responder brides, as well as others who have lost their own dress in a fire or other tragedy. The Wedding Dress Charity is a non-profit bridal store that raises money for dozens of women-focused charities through dress sales and auctions. They have a network of boutiques that partner with them to collect and sell dresses, and they host a yearly event where they display the gowns donated by brides. The organization has also been a source of support during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing gowns to brides who have been displaced or lost their dresses due to the pandemic.

Imagine going to the hospital for what should be one of the happiest times in your life — only to receive the heartbreaking news that your unborn child will not survive. That’s the reality for thousands of families each year who lose their baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS or early childhood illness. Those parents deserve to remember their child with something that is uniquely special. Angel gowns are a beautiful way to do just that. Volunteer dressmakers at Alberta Angel Dresses transform donated wedding dresses into tiny outfits for parents whose babies were miscarried, stillborn or died soon after birth. The outfits are given to families who can use them for final photos or to dress their little one for burial. A few years ago, Brandy Spurgeon’s daughter Karolina was born prematurely and sent to Riley’s NICU. Judi Grubbs, a neonatologist at the hospital, was there for the family during their stay. She was so moved by the couple’s story that she knew she had to offer them one of her angel gowns. Each outfit is carefully crafted by a team of seamstresses. They often sew words or phrases, such as “heaven’s angel” or “little miss sunshine,” onto the dresses to give them a more personal touch. Shirley, a longtime seamstress, also sewed gold bells on each dress, inspired by the scene in It’s A Wonderful Life when Jimmy Stewart’s character rings a bell to welcome Clarence into heaven. The gowns are individually boxed and include a golden keepsake angel and a poem to help parents grieve in their own way. NICU Helping Hands, the nonprofit group that created the angel gown program, has been overwhelmed with requests since its inception last year. The organization has about 40 dresses in its inventory at any given time and a group of volunteer seamstresses working to fill the orders. Currently, each garment costs $30 and includes two day FedEx shipping. Families who need overnight shipping will be provided pricing and payment options by NICU Helping Hands. UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital is committed to providing hope and healing to children and their families. It provides comprehensive care for children, including pediatric oncology, pediatric neurology, pediatric cardiology and pediatric orthopedics. The hospital also provides child and family-centered services, such as the Chase Child Life/Child Development program and a pediatric pain and palliative care program. For more information, visit our website or call (714) 384-4744.

A funeral, whether it be for a baby, child or young adult, is an important event for families. It is a time to share memories, receive support and say goodbye. It is not uncommon for young children to experience grief and loss. Depending on the age of your child, it may be difficult for them to understand why someone died or how a funeral service works. During this time, it is important to be as open and honest as possible. Many parents find it helpful to break down the funeral process for their children so that they can make an informed decision on whether or not to attend. This can be done by describing what the ceremony will look like in detail and answering any questions that they may have. Explain the logistics of the funeral and what will happen before, during and after it. Use age-appropriate language and let the child’s natural curiosity guide the conversation. For example, you might tell your child that the funeral service will be at a church or other venue and that there might be other people in attendance. You could also explain that people might wear more formal attire and that they might be crying. It is also important to discuss the fact that your child’s sibling’s body will be present and, if you are choosing to have an open casket, explain what it will look like. Younger children can be particularly restless at a funeral and might need to move around or play. To help them feel supported, it is often useful to have a point person assigned to them. This can be a family member, friend, religious leader or the funeral director. This person can be the one to talk to if they have any questions or concerns during the service, take them for a walk, have an activity bag prepared for them and more. Children who choose not to attend the funeral may regret it later and you should not force them to do so. However, if your child is unsure if they want to attend, try to be supportive and reassuring. Offer to take them for a short memorial service instead and consider having a recording of the service so that they can listen to it later, if they wish. For very young children, it may be easier to have a smaller memorial service at the graveside or a favourite place. This can be led by a celebrant or the funeral director and may include a small presentation with pictures, a video tribute or a short reading or song.

A lot of thought goes into planning a new baby’s wardrobe. But if there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s that babies don’t need an abundance of matching outfits to feel cozy and comfortable. Instead, focus on building a practical capsule wardrobe that includes onesies, pajamas, pants and dresses that can be mixed and matched, as well as other staples like socks and hats. Then, you can worry about adorable matching outfits when they’re older. Babies can go through a few outfits a day, thanks to spit-ups and blowouts, so it’s smart to stock up on soft fabrics that will get softer with every wash. Consider cotton, which is breathable and a natural fiber that helps regulate body temperature, as opposed to synthetics and polyester, which can cause overheating. Look for GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown and processed without the use of harmful chemicals. Then, seek out certifications like OEKO-TEX, which means that the clothing was tested to ensure it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals or dyes. Shop a variety of brands to find clothes that fit your lifestyle and budget. There are online baby boutiques that offer indie designers with one-of-a-kind looks, as well as big box retailers that can be depended on for everyday basics, like tees and pajamas. Whether you prefer a simple solid color or fun prints, shop the brands below to build a practical capsule wardrobe for your newborn that’s made from safe, breathable fabrics. And to make shopping even easier, many brands have pre-matched two and three-piece sets that make it easy to build a cohesive wardrobe from head to toe. In the early weeks, you’ll need a few pairs of footie pajamas and a few long-sleeved onesies to dress your newborn for daytime wear. Also grab a few soft skull caps and thick mittens to keep baby warm (they lose heat through their heads). If you’re going to be out and about in the winter, add leg warmers to your cart so they’re ready to slip on over booties or panty socks when temperatures drop. A few cute outfits are always handy for special occasions, like taking the new bundle of joy home from the hospital, family photos or meeting friends and family for lunch. Look for clothing from a brand that offers a range of styles, including dresses and skirts, so you can have a few special outfits on hand. For a brand that offers a mix of stylish prints and simple solids, check out Little Sleepies. The brand’s tees and pants are sewn in India, Africa or China by a family-owned factory that works with smaller factories to ensure safe working conditions. Little Sleepies uses a soft fabric blend called Lunaluxe, which is a bamboo viscose and Modal derived from Beech trees. The soft fabric is incredibly smooth and calming to the skin, so it’s an ideal choice for infants. And the best part is, the clothes won’t break the bank: A tee is just $10 and the pants are around $15.

When you lose a loved one, you want to choose an outfit that reflects their personality and beliefs. For some, this means choosing a suit or gown that matches their style of dress, while for others it might mean wearing an outfit they loved during life. In the case of a funeral, this often includes choosing the right clothes for their viewing and burial. In the past, many people chose to wear a traditional outfit for their final appearance, but nowadays there are more options than ever before. If you’re not sure which type of clothing to choose, a good place to start is the deceased’s closet. The chances are high that they’ll already have a specific outfit in mind, and this may be the perfect option for their funeral. It’s also a good idea to consider the person’s religious guidelines, if any. For men, this typically involves choosing a suit, while women may opt for a formal dress or skirt and blouse. However, it’s also common for families to choose more casual attire. This can include things like a favorite sports jersey or a cherished outfit that holds sentimental value. The choice of funeral clothes is usually up to the family, but it’s important to remember that the clothing should be respectful. It’s important to avoid any clothing that could be seen as offensive, and it’s also a good idea to make sure the clothes are loose enough to accommodate any swelling that might occur after death. In the past, people were buried in a variety of different types of clothing, from netted beadwork shrouds to beautiful brocades. Some people even used to have a custom-made robe made for them that was designed in the shape of their body. In fact, I’ve even heard of people buried in their Sunday best. A more recent development is the creation of a special type of garment called a burial gown. These are typically made of soft or satin-like fabrics, and they’re designed to be straightforward for the funeral director to dress the deceased in with dignity. Burial gowns are available in both male and female versions, and they can also be tailored to match specific religious denominations. There are also a number of unisex versions, as well as a wide selection of colors and styles to choose from. If you’re unsure of which to choose, it’s worth speaking to your local funeral home, as they will be able to help. Another good option is a simple black outfit, which exudes elegance and solemnity. This can be paired with closed-toe shoes and minimal accessories to create a refined, elegant look. Alternatively, subtle pastel colors can convey a sense of serenity and tranquility. If you’re unsure of which color to go for, your funeral home should be able to provide you with a range of samples so that you can see them in person and decide which looks best.

A wedding dress is a special and priceless memento, but the gown’s life doesn’t have to end there. Instead of letting the dress rot in a closet or throwing it away, brides can give their dresses a second life by donating them to charity. This way, they’ll help a good cause and free up valuable closet space. Whether you’re a recently married bride or a former one, there are a number of worthy charities that will take your old wedding gown. These range from the typical thrift shops like Goodwill to more niche bridal and baby-related charities. Many of these organizations have been around for years and are renowned for their charitable work. One of the best-known is Brides for a Cause, which collects and resells donated wedding gowns to raise money for dozens of women-focused charities. This includes organizations that support women in the military, single mothers, and victims of domestic abuse. Brides for a Cause also donates dresses to women who have lost their wedding gowns due to fire, disasters, or other unfortunate circumstances. When donating to this organization, it’s important to note that only clean gowns are accepted. This is because rats, bugs, and molds can do serious damage to the garment, and most of these items cannot be saved even with professional cleaning services. To avoid these issues, have your wedding dress dry-cleaned before delivering it to the charity. Another good option is NICU Helping Hands, which accepts wedding dresses and other gowns to be fabricated into angel gowns for families who have suffered the loss of a child in the womb or shortly after birth. These gowns are used in final photos and at the child’s funeral. This nonprofit organization is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They accept wedding and prom dresses as well as other formal wear. The proceeds from the sale of the dresses are used to provide free programming for families who have been impacted by cancer. This is a good choice for those who want to make an impact on a specific cause and have their donation tax-deductible. If you’re interested in donating your wedding dress, be sure to contact the organizations directly for their current guidelines and restrictions. Some may only accept clean dresses, and others might charge a fee for cleaning. Lastly, be sure to have your dress dry cleaned prior to sending it for donation, as this makes the process easier and more efficient for everyone involved. This will also ensure that the gown is free of any stains and pests, and it will be in pristine condition for its new owner. Also, be sure to pack the dress properly so that it is not damaged during transit. This will be a big help to the charity staff members who will have to inspect the dress for damage once it arrives. This will ensure that the donor’s contribution has the maximum effect possible. Copyright 2018 PEOPLE, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The loss of a child is one of the most difficult experiences for any family. And it’s especially hard for families with babies who are born prematurely. To help ease the pain and to provide parents with a way to honor their baby, nurses and volunteers across the country are creating beautiful angel gowns out of repurposed wedding dresses. They’re donating them to hospitals where babies die, giving families a special keepsake they can keep forever. One Arkansas woman is taking this project to the next level. Colleen Angel, who is known as Grandma Angel, has turned her home’s first floor into a sewing studio for the tiny outfits. She started making them after her cousin lost her baby and heard that there was a need for them at local hospitals. Now, she makes them for every hospital in Arkansas and has even donated them to hospitals in other states. For the past three years, she’s been transforming wedding dresses into memorial or burial gowns for tiny babies who never come home from the hospital. Her tiny works of art are made out of wedding silks and satins, pearls, beads, lace and tulle. And she adds embroidery and a bow tie or vest for boys. For the littlest babies, she also sews sleeping bags and baby bonnets. She and her seamstresses make them all by hand, and they try to personalize each outfit as much as possible. NICU Helping Hands is always seeking donations for their work. They’re currently raising money to cover the cost of shipping gowns to homes and hospitals around the country. But they say they’ve never had to turn a family away. They say that it’s important to have a gown for every baby who passes, regardless of the amount of time they lived or how far along they were in gestation. Mayo Clinic nurse Lynn Gaber is another dedicated volunteer. She makes these gowns, as well as sleep sacks and overalls, for families who lose their newborns in the NICU. Her heart breaks for each family she sees, but she knows the need exists. That’s why she started her own project to get more people involved. She’s designed a kit that gives people the opportunity to try sewing these gowns before they commit to it long-term. A registered nurse in the cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo, Gaber has seen her share of bereavement and knows the power of these tiny outfits. She believes that more hospitals should offer these gowns to comfort grieving families, and she hopes to eventually expand her program nationally. To find out how you can help, visit NICU Helping Hands’ website here. You can follow the journey of your dress to a developing country (Guatemala is currently where the dresses are going) and virtually meet your seamstress. You can also make a donation to fund the sewing costs for your dress. It’s called the International Program and you can do it here.

Children are not always comfortable with funerals and they may express that they want to skip the service or even refuse to go at all. This is completely normal and understandable as every child is different and will react differently to death. The important thing is that they are not made to feel guilty if they choose not to attend, they should be allowed to make their own choices. If they do decide to attend it is best to explain what will happen at the service and to prepare them for what to expect. It is also helpful to record the service so that they can watch it in the future if they wish. It is best to have someone “buddy” with the child to help them during the service and reassure them if they are having trouble. Children often need time to process and it may be difficult for them to sit still for long periods of time, especially if they are not used to attending services. They may be very curious about what is happening and have questions that need to be answered. Having a buddy with them will allow them to ask questions without feeling pressured to respond. There are a number of ways that you can personalize the service to your child’s liking, such as having them wear their favourite color or have dozens of balloons in that colour. A themed service can make the experience seem less formal and more like a birthday party or celebration of life, something that is comforting to many young children. You can also have the casket or urn personalised with photographs, a personal message and other special touches. This is often a good idea as it gives the deceased a more intimate and familiar look to those who attended the service. Many families also have the children’s handprints or footprints engraved on their headstone, this can be very comforting to the family in the future as they can always remember their baby or child. Other items that can be incorporated into a service include flowers (especially teddy bears and other toys), a special song, a guest speaker, a memory table or a video tribute. A memorial or service can be a very emotional event, for the parents and other family members, as well as the guests. For this reason it is often more appropriate to have a small memorial service at home or with close friends rather than a larger public one. This way you can ensure that your children are not overwhelmed by the occasion and can be surrounded by loved ones who care about them. If you are unsure about whether or not to hold a service for your child, we are always here to offer guidance and support. You may also find it comforting to know that others have held similar ceremonies for their children in the past. We have found that having a ceremony can bring closure and help with the grieving process, even for very young children.

Babies grow fast, so it’s important to stock up on the right clothes. The best brands have soft fabrics, easy-to-use snaps and zippers, and fun accents like ruffles. They also wash well and aren’t prone to shrinking or wearing out quickly. The most essential garments are onesies and footie pajamas, or “sleep and plays”—they make it easier to dress your baby at night or during naps. Look for onesies with long sleeves and legs or feet, which keep babies warm. Some have fold over scratch mitts to prevent babies from accidentally scuffing themselves. For daytime, rompers and 2-in-1 convertible styles that swap from dress to romper are great for active babies. In colder weather, layering is key and you’ll want to include a light jacket or zip-up down snowsuit for any time spent outside. For special occasions, consider getting a few outfits for your baby to wear home from the hospital or when meeting family and friends. The brand Miniclasix has adorable options such as little suspenders and bow ties, rompers with frills that mimic the look of party dresses, and even gowns for newborns. They’re also made from organic cotton, and many are GOTS certified—meaning they’re ethically produced with sustainable materials and no harsh chemicals. Another option is Burt’s Bees, which has a full line of clothes and pajamas that are GOTS certified and affordable price-wise. They’re also made from organic cotton, which is a lot softer than regular cotton and doesn’t irritate your baby’s skin. The brand is also very eco-friendly and gives back via its Good+ Foundation. Other good choices for outfits for babies are H&M, which has a large selection of baby clothing in bold prints and more affordable prices than most other brands. They’re a great place to find basics like onesie pajamas and t-shirts, as well as winter coats and other outerwear. Babyhood This brand has some of the cutest and softest outfits we’ve seen. Its pieces are designed in Canada, ethically manufactured in India using sustainable materials, and sent to customers via vinyl-free packaging. They also give back through the Good+ Foundation to support low-income families. The brand is known for its quality, especially with their hats and rompers. Their cotton is super soft, and they have a great return policy (which differs by store) so you can try them out without worrying about losing your money. They also have a lot of special occasion outfits, so they’re an excellent choice for weddings or christenings.

Choosing clothing for a loved one’s funeral is a sensitive, personal task. During this time, family members typically select clothing that honors the deceased’s cultural heritage, religious beliefs, and personal style. Some choose traditional attire like suits and dress shirts, while others go more casual. Regardless of the type of attire, it’s important to pay close attention to details, as the smallest aspects can have significant significance. Burial gowns are a common choice of attire for the recently deceased. These garments are specially designed to resemble daywear or evening clothes, and they are often made of soft fabrics, such as silk or satin. They also feature delicate stitching, as well as details that can be seen when the casket is open for viewing. Most of the time, families opt for white burial attire. The color symbolizes purity and peace, making it a fitting choice for the occasion. For men, this typically means a suit or tailored shirt paired with dress pants or a skirt. To complete the look, opt for a conservative tie and polished dress shoes. For women, a white dress or blouse is a good option. If you’d prefer a more subtle shade, consider pastels like pale pink, lavender, or blue. In addition to the traditional choice of attire, some funeral homes have a special selection of garments for infants. These are specifically designed to help dress the baby, aide in their comfort, and protect their fragile bodies. This collection usually includes wraps and gowns in three sizes (S-M-L) and four different styles. Aside from these gowns, there are a number of other options available for both women and men. These include a wide range of dresses, skirts, and blouses. Many of these are designed to resemble day wear or evening clothes, with a false shirt bosom and other design details. Some are even patterned after wedding gowns. Other clothing options may be based on a person’s hobbies or interests. For example, an avid gardener could be dressed in a floral print or a colorful sweater, while someone who enjoyed traveling might be dressed in their favorite travel bag or luggage. Lastly, some people choose to be buried in their favorite sports jersey or outfit from their happiest moments. It’s a good idea to discuss the selection of clothes with your loved one’s funeral directors before the services. They can provide you with valuable insight and guidance, and they can help you select an outfit that is a true reflection of your beloved’s character. While it’s important to consider your loved one’s unique personality, culture, and religion when selecting burial clothing, it’s equally important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer to this difficult task. Whether you opt for a formal ensemble or a simple, traditional choice, remember that the most important thing is that your loved one is surrounded by the love and care of family and friends.