Month: July 2025

If you’re like many brides, you want to save your wedding dress as a keepsake or hand it down to your daughters. However, if you don’t think you’ll ever wear it again or are simply tired of the draping and heavy material, you may feel like your bridal gown isn’t getting much use anymore. Instead of letting it collect dust in your closet, consider giving it a new life by donating your dress. Besides helping someone else and potentially getting a tax deduction (if you’re able to do so), this is an eco-friendly option that keeps your gown out of the landfill. Plus, it frees up storage space! You can donate your dress to a variety of charities and thrift shops. However, you should contact each one in advance to determine what their specific needs are and how they will clean the dress. Many of these options also require the dress to be in good condition and no more than five years old. Some charities may even charge an extra fee for cleaning the dress, but you’ll likely be able to get that money back when you file your taxes at the end of the year. Brides Against Breast Cancer is an example of an organization that specializes in reselling bridal dresses to help raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection. Founded in 1997, the nonprofit has sold more than 50,000 donated dresses over the past two decades. The proceeds from the sales of donated wedding dresses help the organization fund educational programs and support services for women battling breast cancer, including support groups, counseling, nutrition workshops, and more. This organization accepts all styles of dresses, but prefers trumpet, A-line, and ballgown designs. If your dress isn’t in good shape, you can add a $50 donation to have it professionally cleaned before sending it to the charity. Another option is to donate your dress to a local sex trafficking prevention organization such as Adorned in Grace, which operates stores throughout the country to sell used and new gowns to help fight human trafficking. The organization’s three dress shops also host outreach events and provide professional counseling for victims of sex trafficking, among other things. Lastly, if you’re in the area of a NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program, based about an hour north in Albany, NY, you can donate your wedding dress to be made into an infant burial gown for families who have lost their babies too soon. The program is run by a network of volunteer sewers who turn donated wedding dresses into beautiful burial gowns for these grieving parents. You can also donate your dress to a thrift shop in your area or the Salvation Army. Some thrift stores will even pick up your dress from your home, but you should check with each location to determine what their specific policies are. Most charities and thrift shops will only take donations if the dress is in good condition and no more than 5 years old.

Those who have ever lost an infant or child know the unimaginable pain that accompanies it. One of the ways some families cope is through garments like angel gowns, which are specially crafted to offer solace and dignity to a baby who didn’t survive. The gowns are made by seamstresses who repurpose wedding dresses and give them to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes that offer them to families at no charge. A volunteer seamstress can make about 18 unique, tiny angel gowns and wraps from one donated dress. It’s a labor of love that can bring peace to those struggling with one of life’s greatest sorrows. Every year in the United States alone, 626,000 babies are born through stillbirth or miscarriage. That’s more than one baby per minute who doesn’t get to go home with his or her parents. For many of those babies, it isn’t possible to find a cure. The repurposed dresses, which are known as angel gowns, help those parents hold on to a small measure of comfort. The gowns aren’t easy to sew, and it is a labor of love for the seamstresses who repurpose the wedding dresses and give them to hospitals, birthing centres and funeral homes that offer them to families at a no-charge. The gowns are not just a symbol of the babies’ short lives, but also of the loving care given by the staff. A seamstress named Edith Clark saw a need when she read an article about the program at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Judi Gibson, a registered nurse at the hospital, was recruiting seamstresses to create the gowns, which she would provide to families who lost their babies in the NICU. She knew she could help. Edith, a retired 66-year-old grandmother who taught sewing to her grandchildren, had been sewing for years and had many beautiful wedding dresses. She was able to repurpose several of her own dresses, along with the supplies she already had at home, to create the gowns. In addition to the gowns, Edith sewed matching baby bonnets and sleeping bags. She’s even stitched phrases like “heaven’s angel” onto some of the outfits. She adds antique buttons she’s saved and often sews gold or silver bells to the dresses, a nod to the iconic scene at the end of the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Her work has spread far beyond the Spokane area, where she now supplies hospitals in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. She’s even sent gowns to hospitals in California, Oregon, Texas and Minnesota. The columns have resonated with so many people that she now has a waiting list. The project is run entirely by volunteers, and the donations of dresses are what keeps the group going. For more information about how you can help, visit the website here. You can also call the hospital and ask for the program coordinator. The number is (509) 893-6511. –Joey Davidson is the communications specialist for University of Michigan Health – West.

When your child passes away, you must decide whether or not to hold a funeral service for them. You will also need to plan what the ceremony will entail. Often the decision comes down to how much you want to include your children and what feels right for your family. Regardless of your choice, it is important to make sure your children are supported during the event. Children can be frightened by what they don’t know and this is why it is important to discuss the process with them ahead of time. Providing information such as where it will take place, who they will see and how long the events will last can help them feel more prepared. Involving your children in the funeral and memorialization process can help them connect to their deceased sibling. It can also help you and them find comfort and closure. Depending on your child’s age, this may involve choosing music, writing a letter or poem, bringing flowers, blowing bubbles, handing out orders of service and more. Older brothers and sisters can even choose to speak or write a piece that is read out loud for the ceremony attendees. If your children have a difficult time viewing their loved one’s body, it is often comforting to allow them to view the body at home for a time before the service or memorialization. Many hospitals, hospices and funeral homes can provide a special cold mattress or cot (called a cuddle cot) to keep your baby or child’s body cool so you can spend more time with them. During the viewing and funeral or memorial service, it can be helpful to assign your children a supportive buddy to keep them company. This can be a friend or relative they trust, the child’s teacher or even a member of the funeral home staff. The buddy can answer their questions, encourage them to express their feelings and be available to take them outside or into a hallway if the experience becomes too much. It is also helpful to explain that other people will grieve in different ways and it’s ok for them to cry or laugh at times. Children will likely be more scared by what they don’t understand than the actual experience. Explaining what to expect at the funeral can help them feel more prepared. Talk about the order of events, what to expect when visiting the funeral home and where the ceremony will take place. Answer their questions as honestly and thoroughly as possible but remember they may change their minds at any point. It is important to give your children a choice as to whether they wish to attend a funeral or not. Forcing them to go is not helpful and can lead to resentment in the future. If your children are unsure, you can always offer reassurance that they can always say goodbye and never be judged for their decision. You can also explain that even if they don’t attend a funeral they can still say good-bye to their brother or sister in their own way at home.

Newborn babies require a lot of clothing. Between diaper changes, feedings and naps, they go through clothes at a dizzying pace. To keep the littlest member of your family comfortable, choose soft fabrics in neutral colors that are easy to mix and match. Start with a wardrobe of bodysuits and onesies (also called bodygrows) to pair with pants and hats for daytime wear, then add in a few pairs of cozy pajamas, including footie PJs and Carter’s 5-Star Sleep & Play, as well as wearable blankets for warmth on pram and stroller trips and to help you swaddle your baby for a good night’s rest. Baby clothes are often crafted from cotton, which is both lightweight and absorbent. Cotton is also gentle on your newborn’s sensitive skin and has a smooth feel, making it an ideal fabric for infant garments. You can also find a variety of organic cotton and eco-friendly clothing options that are perfect for your baby’s skin. Whether you’re looking for a simple cotton shirt or something with embellishments, there’s sure to be a style that suits your baby’s personality and tastes. Many newborn outfits are designed to be quick and easy to put on and take off – an important consideration given how frequently babies need to change their clothes. For example, bodysuits with snaps or poppers are an easy option that allow you to quickly get baby dressed in the morning or undressed for a nap. Long-sleeved onesies with built-in mittens are another great way to keep baby warm and prevent scratches on delicate hands. Some baby clothes come with a hood, which is useful for keeping the head warm and protecting the ears and neck from sun exposure. In addition to everyday clothing, you’ll also need a few special occasion outfits for your baby’s first pictures. These might include an outfit to wear home from the hospital, for family photos or to meet grandparents. In order to keep these clothes as clean as possible, look for fabrics that are machine washable and durable. As soon as your baby can hold their heads up, they’ll need a hat to protect their little faces from the sun and keep them cozy in cool weather. Thin cotton hats are suitable for spring and summer, while thick woolly hats provide extra protection in winter. You’ll also want to stock up on a range of baby blankets in different sizes and styles, depending on the season. Lightweight muslin blankets are great for absorbing spills, helping to keep your baby warm during pram or stroller trips and providing comfort for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. You can even find swaddle blankets which are similar to regular blankets but are designed to keep your baby warm and secure and may have a velcro closure that helps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A bib is an essential for feeding time, especially when you’re trying out different formulas or bottles. Look for a reusable one with a bib clip to attach to the neck of your baby’s t-shirt or bodysuit.

When a loved one passes, many families struggle with the decision of what to dress them in for their funeral. While it may seem difficult to think about a final outfit, it is a way to honor the deceased and give them the dignity they deserve in their last moments. Choosing the right attire can be simple by considering a few factors like the deceased’s final wishes and religious or cultural customs. Traditionally, people have been buried in dresses or suits, but these days there are more options than ever for people who want to celebrate the life of their departed loved ones. One of the most popular choices is a burial gown, a soft and satin-like garment designed to be easy for a funeral director to dress a person in. Burial gowns come in men’s and women’s styles and are available in a variety of fabrics and colors to match any casket interior. The cuffs of burial gowns are designed to meet at the wrist when a person is in their final position, making it easier for funeral directors to fit them properly. They also typically feature a high neckline to protect the face, and the sleeves are longer than those found on street clothing to help protect the hands from direct sunlight during an open casket funeral. Aside from the practical reasons for choosing a burial gown, these garments are often made of easily adjustable materials to provide a tailored fit for the body of a person who has passed. For the more spiritually inclined, green burial gowns are becoming increasingly popular. These environmentally conscious garments are made of organic materials such as wool or cotton that have been grown, processed, and dyed using methods that minimize environmental impact. They are also biodegradable, so they will eventually return to the earth. If you are interested in a green burial, contact your local funeral home to find out what options are available in your area. When it comes to accessories, it is best to avoid burying jewelry with your loved one, as it could become damaged or lose its luster during the embalming process. You may choose to keep a piece of jewelry that was meaningful in life, however, or to add other personal touches such as a favorite book or photo. If you decide to bury your loved one with their favorite jewelry, be sure that it is small enough that it will fit on the neck without adding too much weight. For a more traditional look, white clothing is a good option to consider. The color symbolizes purity and peace, and it is easy to wear in any season. Other classic outfits include a tailored dress or blouse paired with a skirt or pants in a complementary shade. While shoes won’t be seen, some people prefer to have them worn for comfort and for the sake of tradition.

If you wore your dream wedding dress and have been hanging it in the back of your closet since your big day, don’t let it sit there collecting dust. Instead, donate it to a worthy cause and help make someone else’s dreams come true. You’ll also get a tax break and contribute to reducing the pollution from new materials, according to Zola. There are plenty of places to donate your dress. But it’s important to do your research first to find a trustworthy company and confirm that your donation will benefit a worthy cause. For example, if you are planning to give your dress to Fairytale Brides Boutique in California, be sure that the nonprofit will use it to help a low-income bride. The bridal store accepts dresses in good condition and passes them on to brides in need at the event. A few other charities that accept donated gowns are: Brides for a Cause: This bridal store resells its wedding dresses and bridal accessories to raise money for dozens of women-focused charities. It has given away more than $1 million since 2012. The dress donations support military and first responder brides, single mothers, abuse survivors, and other women in need. You can mail your dress to the shop or drop it off at one of its stores or roadshow events. The Brides Project: This charity sells wedding dresses donated by women and men to fund free programming for families impacted by cancer. The dress donations also support research, education, and awareness campaigns. You can donate your dress by mail, drop it off at the store in Ann Arbor, or schedule a pickup. Adorned in Grace: This faith-based organization’s mission is to help sex trafficking victims and educate communities about human trafficking. Its donation program gives brides the option to send their wedding dress to a seamstress in a developing country, where they can see it being made and meet her virtually. You can also choose to have the seamstress alter your dress and add accessories before sending it to a bride in need. If your dress doesn’t meet the criteria for these organizations, you can still donate it to a local wedding dress recycling or repurposing organization. These groups repurpose donated gowns for all kinds of purposes, including home decor, baptism gowns, and more. To ensure that your dress is in good condition, consider having it professionally cleaned before donating it. Many dress shops and charities offer cleaning services for an additional fee. Also, be sure to label the box with helpful information about your dress to save the volunteers’ time. This can include the size, brand and designer, the year you bought it, and its original price. This will help the charity volunteer identify your dress if you’re unable to be there to personally drop it off.

CHARLOTTE, NC — In the US alone, 626,000 babies are born each year through still birth and miscarriage. When Tom and Deanna Williamson lost their baby son, Eli, at just 20 weeks, Levine Children’s Hospital gave them a gown for him to wear. That was the beginning of a journey to help other families going through the same tragedy. The gowns are made from repurposed wedding dresses. Those dresses are transformed by seamstresses, who give them back to grieving parents so their tiny one can be dressed in something special for their final farewells. The nonprofit, Angel Gowns of WNY has helped more than 18,000 families and continues to grow. “When a family comes in with a child who will not live long enough to come home, we give them the opportunity to take photos and bring their little angel in an outfit that is specially designed,” says founder Missy Ray. “It gives them some sort of comfort, so they know that their child is not forgotten.” As a nurse practitioner at University of Michigan Health-West, Judi Gaber sees firsthand the grief and sorrow that accompanies such a loss. She has also seen the power of a simple dress. The hospital’s Helping Hands Angel Gown program accepts donated wedding gowns and turns them into burial garments for NICU babies who will not live. It’s a service that’s desperately needed. But it’s a labor of love for the volunteers who sew the beautiful, delicate garments. Many of them are retired and active members of their local church. They’re also mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters and friends. Some even work full-time, but they find the time to give the gifts of their hearts and hands to others. Diane Wright is among them. The Grandview United Methodist Church member is a seamstress who saw the request for gowns on Facebook from Hillary’s Cherished Gowns. She had four generations of wedding dresses hanging in her closet, and she knew they could be put to good use. Her husband’s grandfather passed away in the NICU when she was a child, so this cause was close to her heart. She’s since provided angel gowns to the NICU at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and to hospitals across the country. She’s also seeded other ministries in places like the UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock and Ouachita Memorial Hospital in Camden. And she’s reached out to hospitals in Africa, too. She’s currently working on gowns for a couple in Oklahoma and has also sent them to families in Texas. For more information on how to make a donation, you can visit the group’s website and Facebook page. Angel Gowns of WNY is always looking for donations of wedding gowns and monetary contributions to purchase embellishments, yarn, blankets and other sewing supplies. The organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All proceeds are given to help families in need.

Di dalam dunia judi, terutama bagi para penggemar togel, data tentang pengeluaran merupakan sangat penting. Saat ini, kami datang dengan kabar terbaru tentang hasil Macau yang dapat dijadikan acuan bagi para peserta. Dengan informasi yang tepat dan valid, Anda bisa mengambil keputusan yang lebih baik dalam bermain togel Macau. Hasil Macau tidak cuma mencakup nomor-nomor yang keluar, tetapi serta informasi mengenai pengundian langsung dan website toto yang dapat diandalkan. Apakah Anda mencari kuota terbaru dari pengundian langsung Macau atau mau mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang beragam tipe permainan lotre yang tersedia? Di sini, kami akan menyediakan informasi paling anyar mengenai hasil Macau hari ini, termasuk data hasil dan data berharga lainnya yang bisa menolong Anda dalam bermain lotre secara online. Data serta Statistik Hasil Macau Pengeluaran Macau adalah data krusial untuk beberapa pemain togel. Informasi yang tepat dan terpercaya membantu pemain untuk meneliti hasil sebelumnya serta merumuskan strategi untuk permainan mendatang. Dengan situs toto Macau yang terpercaya, pemain dapat mengakses data terkini mengenai keluaran Macau hari ini, sehingga mereka dapat membuat keputusan yang lebih baik. Dalam analisis data, kita dapat melihat pola-pola spesifik pada angka-angka yang sering muncul. Statistik hasil Macau menampilkan angka-angka yang seringkali keluar, yang dapat menjadi acuan bagi pemain. Di samping itu, database yang sudah dikumpulkan selama beberapa waktu juga memberikan memberikan gambaran yang nyata tentang kemajuan permainan toto Macau dan tren yang sedang terjadi. Acara live draw Macau pun sangatlah berpengaruh terhadap transparansi serta keakuratan informasi pengeluaran. Melalui proses ini, pemain bisa melihat secara langsung bagaimana angka-angka dihasilkan, sehingga meningkatkan kepercayaan pada hasil yang didapat. Data ini bisa diambil dengan mudah di macau pools, menjaga agar pemain tetap mendapatkan update mengenai pengeluaran Macau hari ini. Undian Langsung dan Keluaran Terkini Dalam dunia togel Macau, live draw adalah salah satu waktu yang paling ditunggu oleh pemain. Pada saat pengundian berlangsung, semua peserta dapat menyaksikan secara real-time hasil keluaran pengeluaran yang terjadi, sehingga memberikan satu pengalaman yang jelas dan seru. Peserta berbondong-bondong untuk menyaksikan event ini, dengan harapan bisa mendapatkan angka hoki yang dapat mengantarkan mereka pada kemenangan yang signifikan. Keluaran Macau hari ini juga selalu dinanti-nanti oleh komunitas togel. Data mengenai hasil ini bukan hanya penting bagi peserta, melainkan juga bagi mereka yang membutuhkan informasi dan analisis yang mendalam untuk taruhan di masa mendatang. data macau Dengan cara mengikuti setiap pengundian langsung dan merekam hasil keluaran, pemain bisa meningkatkan kemungkinan mereka dalam memilih nomor yang tepat untuk bertaruh berikutnya. Bagi para peminat togel online, situs toto Macau yang terpercaya selalu memberikan informasi terkini mengenai pengundian langsung dan keluaran. Dengan akses akses yang mudah dan informasi yang akurat, pemain dapat mendapatkan semua data yang mereka butuhkan. Hasil Macau sekarang adalah referensi utama untuk melakukan strategi yang lebih baik, agar pemain bisa siap sedia menghadapi setiap peluang yang ada. Saran serta Strategi Bermain Lotere Macau Mempelajari pola keluaran merupakan kunci utama untuk menyempurnakan peluang anda ketika bermain togel di Macau. Terus-menerus cermati informasi pengeluaran yang lalu, karena banyak pemain sering meyakini bahwa hasil yang lalu dapat memberikan indikasi pada angka yang mungkin mungkin keluar di masa mendatang. Anda bisa dapat merekam angka-angka yang berulang terlalu dan yang tidak pernah sama sekali muncul, dengan begitu bisa menyusun rencana taruhan yang lebih terencana terencana. Di sisi lain, krusial untuk mengatur anggaran dalam bermain lotere. Pastikan Anda bermain sesuai dengan kemampuan kapasitas keuangan Anda serta jangan terbawa emosi. Tentukanlah batasan berapa mau Anda pertaruhkan setiap hari. Dengan cara ini, Anda bisa menikmati permainan tanpa merasa tekanan atau khawatir kehilangan lebih banyak yang seharusnya. Selalu ingat bahwa lotere adalah sebuah permainan keberuntungan, serta Anda harus bergrup untuk kalah. Akhirnya, pilihlah situs toto Macau yang dapat dipercaya untuk memastikan bahwa anda bermain di tempat yang aman aman. Lakukan riset tentang reputasi situs sebelumnya mendaftar serta melakukan transaksi. Periksa agar mengecek lisensi dan ulasan dari lain. Situs yang baik juga biasanya menawarkan berbagai bonus dan penawaran yang dapat dapat menambah modal bertaruh anda. Dengan mengikuti tips ini, pengalaman bermain togel di Macau Anda bisa jauh lebih menarik serta berpotensi untung.

For families that experience the loss of a baby, there is a great need for clothes. Often, the only piece of clothing they can take with them to bury their infant is an angel gown. Designed to honor the life of a child who never lived, these special garments are made from repurposed wedding dresses and other fabric donated by community members and sewn by volunteers. Angel gowns are a staple in many hospital bereavement programs across the country and can be found in more than four countries around the world. ANALANE POWELL: For many small babies, especially micro preemies or those who pass away at home in their arms, there is little that can be done for them other than to provide them with some sort of garment to be buried in and to help give their parents a moment or two to hold them. And those garments are not always easy to find. In fact, in some cases, it is a stressor for a family to try to find that. That’s why this program is so important and that’s why a lot of hospitals are starting to have it available for their patients. The women who work with Sunshine State Angel Gowns sew their garments at least once a week. They are all mothers who volunteer their time to make these gowns and blankets for infants and children who will never be born. Often, they also have their own stories of loss and know exactly how hard it is for these families to endure such a heartbreaking tragedy. Judi Gaber has worked as a nurse at Riley for 37 years, and she knows the unfathomable pain that comes with losing a baby. She heard about a project at the hospital, now known as Levine Children’s Medical Center, that provides angel gowns to the families of stillborn babies and quickly volunteered to do her part. Each gown takes at least a dozen repurposed wedding dresses and other fabric to make, and volunteers have started to create other items for bereaved families, such as memory blankets that are especially helpful for those who suffer from early miscarriages or need a way to remember their losses without a traditional burial. Cortes, who lost her oldest son, Tito, at age 11, says she has learned that it’s important for parents to be able to connect with other families who have experienced the same grief and to be able to share their stories. When I ask if sewing so many gowns and blankets for children who will never grow up ever becomes too much to bear, she shakes her head no. She wants to continue this ministry so that every baby who passes on gets their first touch of humanity and dignity, no matter how short their life may have been. She also says that if it wasn’t for the wonderful support of her church community, she wouldn’t be able to do this.

When a child is involved, the funeral can be a very emotional time. It is important to discuss this event with your children and understand that each child will react differently. Children often ask questions about death and funerals which can be answered with honesty. It is also important to know that children can change their minds and are not being criticised if they choose not to attend the service. If your child chooses to go, it is a good idea to give them a sense of what will happen before the service – explaining that everyone will be in a room together with the body and a casket, who will be there, how long the service will last, etc. It can help to have someone sit with them who can answer their questions and provide support if needed. It is also a good idea to give your child some choice in the funeral proceedings – for example, they may want to write a note, read a poem, sing or play an instrument. This can be a positive way for them to express their feelings and keep the memory of their sibling alive. For older children, it is a good idea to have them share their thoughts and memories with other family members at the funeral service. It can be a very moving and healing experience for them and it will help them to feel that they are not alone in their grief. Children can be quite fidgety and sometimes bored at funerals so having a book, favourite toy or quiet game can help to keep them occupied. It is also a good idea to have a snack and water on hand just in case. If your child is not feeling well, it is a good idea to take them outside or into a quiet space for a break. Most funerals include a wake or visitation, a ceremony and then either a burial or cremation. Explaining to your child that their sibling will not be present at the ceremony is a good idea, as it will help prepare them for what they are about to witness. You can also explain that if they do go up to the casket, their sibling will not be able to see them because the lid will be closed. Some children find it difficult to understand why a person’s body is put in a box or urn. It is helpful to explain that this is because the body can no longer breathe on its own and so it needs to be put in a box or urn so it will not decay. It is also a good idea to talk to your child about what happens to the body after it has been buried or cremated and re-assure them that their sibling cannot ‘feel’ anything anymore. During the funeral, try to steer your children clear of fawning sentimentality – Aunt Bertha’s sobbing and hugging can make an already traumatic experience very overwhelming for a child. You can encourage them to interact with their loved ones in a more respectful way by encouraging hand shakes or a brief hug.