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For many brides, their wedding gown is one of the most sentimental items they own. While some brides choose to preserve their bridal gowns for future use (like at a vow renewal or their child’s wedding), others find that the work involved with maintaining a dress and storing it in a closet outweigh the benefits of keeping it. That’s where wedding dress donation comes in. Donating your gown to a charity or thrift shop can free up closet space, provide a tax deduction and help someone else’s special day, too. While reselling your wedding dress can be an option, it can also be more work than it’s worth. Between getting your gown professionally cleaned and mended, taking high-quality photos, and waiting for it to sell, the process can take six months or more. In addition, there’s no guarantee that you’ll recoup your initial investment. “You could always repurpose your dress as a piece of decor, but it’s just not the same,” says Drew Edwards, founder of Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity, who advises that donating is the best way to ensure your gown has a meaningful, positive impact. Founded in 1997, Brides Against Breast Cancer resells gently used dresses in order to raise money for early detection and awareness programs. They’ve sold over 50,000 donated wedding gowns in the past two decades, and the proceeds from those sales have funded research, education, and support groups for breast cancer victims. The organization has an online shop where brides can schedule a time to drop off their dress in-person, and they’ll send you instructions for shipping the dress if you can’t make it. The Brides Project in Michigan resells donated wedding gowns to raise money for cancer support services, like counseling and nutrition workshops, for those affected by the disease. Their online store features both gently worn wedding gowns and new bridal accessories. They accept donations year-round and offer a drop-off box in Ann Arbor, or you can ship your wedding gown to them by following their online guidelines. A Maryland-based bridal boutique, Cherie Sustainable Bridal, sells preowned gowns to support Success in Style, a nonprofit that provides professional attire and basic interview skills to those in crisis. It accepts wedding gowns less than five years old, as well as dresses from the bride’s maids and flower girls. It doesn’t require you to have your gown professionally cleaned before donating, but they ask that you contact them for their mailing address and donation release form beforehand. If you’d rather assist a sex trafficking victim, consider donating your wedding dress to Adorned in Grace. The faith-based organization carries wedding dresses and formalwear, and the sales proceeds fund professional counseling for trafficking survivors and awareness publications. You can drop off your wedding gown at a Goodwill store in quarantine, or contact the nonprofit directly for mailing instructions.

1 in 4 women will experience an infant loss either through miscarriage or stillbirth. It is not easy for families to say goodbye to their precious little one. Angel gowns are a way for parents to say their last farewell in comfort. These are created by volunteer seamstresses from donated wedding dresses that are remade into beautiful one of a kind burial gowns and angel wraps. Each angel gown comes in a kit that includes the special dress, blanket, two hats and heart and memorial trinkets. These kits are given to hospitals, bereavement groups and funeral homes. KOMO’s ANALANE POWELL: The process of creating the tiny angel gowns takes a long time and is very meticulous work. The seamstresses use every piece of the white fabric and beads to create something that is unique for someone so precious. They can make up to 18 one of a kind little gowns and angel wraps from a single wedding dress. They even create special baby blankets made out of the material that are used in hospitals for the smallest babies. If you have a wedding dress that you no longer want, look up an organization that accepts them in your area. You can also donate supplies like lace, ribbons and sewing materials. Some of these groups even need donated men’s ties for making little bow ties for the boys’ angel gowns and wraps.

The decision to include children in funeral events is a personal one that should be made by each family. Many families find that having their children present at a visitation period or funeral helps them better cope with the loss. Children are often confused about what death means and may have unanswered questions that need to be addressed. Including children in funeral services also provides an opportunity for family members to share their grief and remembrances with one another, which can be very healing. A child’s funeral can take place in any way that feels appropriate and comfortable to the family. Some families choose to hold a ceremony at the funeral home or another venue such as a church, synagogue or other faith center. Other families choose to bury their children in a cemetery or have a service at the gravesite with friends and family. It is a good idea to familiarize children with the funeral venue and its surroundings ahead of time. Many children feel more comfortable on the day of the funeral if they know what to expect. It is also helpful to spend time explaining the significance of the funeral services, as well as any rituals that will occur. During this very difficult time, children often need to be allowed to be children and will express their emotions in different ways. Some of these behaviors may be upsetting to others, but this is a normal part of grieving. If a child becomes disruptive during the visitation or funeral, it is a good idea to appoint a trusted and known adult as their “funeral buddy” who can take them outside or offer a distraction if needed. When it comes to the actual funeral, it is important to give children clear and honest information about what will happen. It is helpful to explain the difference between a dead body and a spirit, so they understand that while the physical body stops working, the memories and essence of the person continue on. Many children respond well when offered the chance to actively participate in a funeral or memorial service, such as putting flowers on a casket or placing a special memento in an urn. Shyer children might prefer to sign a message board or make a card instead. It is a good idea to discuss religious beliefs and concepts with a children’s funeral director, if possible, in order to get the most accurate and comprehensive answers to children’s questions. For example, some children may believe that God takes a loved one because He needs them and will bring them back when He is ready. This belief can lead to additional feelings of guilt if the child later realizes that what they did or said caused their parent’s death. In addition, it is important to listen to your child and respond to their questions in the way that they best understand them. If the funeral director feels that your child is not responding to their explanations, he or she will advise you on what other options might be helpful.

Newborns need a lot of clothes. Between sleeping, feeding and pooping, their outfits will change many times throughout the day and night. Baby clothing should be comfortable, easy to put on and take off (ideally without any snaps or zips), and made of high quality materials. It should also be machine washable and dryable, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Some clothing is also designed for newborns, with features like fold over scratch mitts to prevent early diaper rash and cold weather outerwear that keeps babies warm. When selecting baby clothing, it is important to consider your infant’s age, weight and height. Carter’s offers a wide range of infant sizes, from preemie and newborn, to three- and six-month increments up to 24 months. To determine the best size for your baby, you can check out our size chart or refer to the specific size information on each product page. We also offer a number of mix and match outfit sets that can help simplify the dressing process and are color-coordinated for your newborn. A good start to any wardrobe is a pack of baby bodysuits. These are great for newborns, because they’re soft and stretchy and make it easier to dress your baby, especially with their fussy, gassy stomachs. They’re available in a variety of colors and patterns so you can find one that coordinates with your baby’s nursery. Another essential piece of newborn clothing is a pair of soft, stretchy cotton leggings. These can be worn under a onesie or a dress. They can help your baby stay warm and cozy, while providing a layer of protection between their sensitive skin and the rough edges of the change table. It’s a good idea to get a few pairs, so you have enough to wear them with multiple outfits. Once you’ve got your basic outfits, it’s time to add a few hats and scarves to your newborn clothing collection. These are a cute way to keep your baby’s head covered while they sleep and look great in photos. You’ll also want a few pairs of socks, to keep their tiny feet warm and to prevent them from slipping off during naps and nighttime sleep. Finally, don’t forget to add a few pairs of footie pajamas. These are a parent favorite and make excellent baby shower gifts. These PJs are a soft, snuggly choice for newborns and support sweet dreams at every age and stage. When dressing your baby, it’s a good idea to talk and sing to them, or even dance with them while you’re doing so. This will distract them and make the experience fun for both of you. Also, remember to keep one hand on your baby at all times during the dressing and undressing process. A fall from a change table can seriously injure a baby, so it’s important to be aware of their movements at all times. Also, be sure the change table is on a sturdy surface and doesn’t have any broken latches or locking devices that can cause your baby to slip or fall off.

Choosing burial clothing for a loved one is an important and thoughtful task. Many factors come into play, including their cultural background, religious beliefs, and personal style. By considering all of these aspects, you can select attire that will honor your loved one and respect their final journey. In the past, funerals were a very formal affair. Many people chose to wear suits, with a shirt and tie for men and a skirt or dress for women. However, as funeral traditions have adapted to modern times, it is increasingly acceptable to wear less formal attire. It is advisable to avoid light colors such as yellows and pinks, and instead opt for darker shades of grays and blues. In addition, clothing should be loose-fitting to allow for any swelling that may occur after the body is buried or cremated. There are many sources where you can obtain funeral or burial clothes. Funeral homes often have a selection that you can choose from or that they can recommend someone to purchase from. They can also offer convenience and expertise in handling all of the necessary arrangements for your loved one. Alternatively, many religious institutions will have clothing available for those in need. While it is normal to be upset when a friend or family member passes away, it can be especially difficult for parents who lose a child. Out of every thousand live births in the United States, five infants die, and that doesn’t even include miscarriages or stillbirths. This can be a very traumatic time for families, and they need to find ways to cope with their loss and to provide their child with the best possible care. Thankfully, a Utah seamstress is helping to ease this burden by sewing beautiful but practical burial garments for these little ones. Ciara Hulet from member station KUER reports. First, the fabric should be cut into four pieces (an “exterior” FRONT from the wedding/prom dress, an “interior” FRONT from the lining fabric, and the lining back piece of the gown). Pin the exterior front to the lining front pieces, right sides together, then sew them. Next, place the ribbon ties at the neck and at 1/3 of the way down the back. Sew a short stitch around each of the ribbons to secure them to the fabric, making sure that these stitches will be hidden when you finish the seam of the exterior gown in a later step. When the gown is finished, pin the back of the lining to the back of the exterior fabric, matching the shoulder seams and the back edges. Sew a 1/4″ seam up the center back of the gown, being careful not to catch any loose ribbon ends. Before the end of the year, many churches and other institutions will hold drives to collect new and gently used wedding dresses to be turned into burial garments for infants who have passed away. Then, volunteers will sew the dresses and other accessories together to create a fitting tribute for these precious children.

Donating your wedding gown to charity is an easy way to free up some storage space, and it’s also a great option if you have no plans to wear the dress again (or ever) and don’t want it to sit in a box collecting dust. The process can also be rewarding, as you’ll be helping people in need and giving back to your community. Plus, if you itemize your taxes, you’ll be able to claim the donation on your tax return. When donating your dress, make sure it’s in good condition. The organization you choose might have specific guidelines for what type of condition your gown needs to be in. Some charities might require that you have your gown professionally cleaned, while others may only ask that it’s pressed and wrinkle-free. One charity that accepts gently used wedding dresses is Brides Against Breast Cancer, which resells the dresses to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection programs. This nonprofit has sold more than 50,000 dresses over the past 20 years, and its store in Atlanta has an assortment of gowns in every style and price point. The charity’s website notes that coveted designers and styles sell quickly, so it’s best to act fast when you see something you love. But before you do, check the dress’s description for more details about its condition—zippers, stains, and the like—and consider asking the seller to include additional photos so that you can get a better idea of what it will look like on your body. Another option for donating your gown is to give it to a thrift store that supports local charities. For example, the Salvation Army’s stores use proceeds from the sale of donated goods to fund various services, including adult rehabilitation and prison ministry work. The organization operates in 130 countries and territories around the world, and it also focuses on disaster response and providing employment and housing support. It accepts clothing, furniture and household items as donations year-round. Many thrift stores that accept wedding dresses offer a drop-off bin, and you can also mail your dress to them using their mailing instructions. In addition to supporting the local community, thrift shops often sell their inventory online and in their stores, so you can easily shop for a wedding dress that matches your style. Some charity stores also transform gowns that don’t meet their donation criteria into new items. The Emma and Evan Foundation turns wedding dress donations into angel gowns, bonnets and other keepsake items for grieving families who have lost an infant. The foundation offers the gowns and other items for free. Other bridal stores that repurpose donated gowns include Portland-based Brides for a Cause, which has showrooms in Portland and Seattle. The company resells the dresses to help support women, and it donates a portion of the profits to local charities. The organization accepts wedding dresses that are less than five years old and also carries mother-of-the-bride dresses and flower girl gowns, as well as bridal accessories.

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When a baby is born at the NICU or passed away during the course of treatment, special garments called angel gowns offer families a little comfort in this difficult time. The gowns are made from repurposed wedding dresses and are offered to grieving families for photos, memorial services or to hold their little ones close to their hearts. Several community organizations are involved with the angel gown process and work tirelessly to ensure that those who have lost an infant can honor their child in a way that will bring peace and comfort. Hot Springs Village resident Colleen Angel, or Grandma Angel, spends her retirement days transforming donated wedding dresses into tiny angel gowns for hospitals across the country. She began making the gowns after her cousin lost a baby and she found that hospitals everywhere had a need for these special garments. In her sewing room, she creates one-of-a-kind dresses in sizes fit for the tiniest of babies. She doesn’t let a single bead or scrap of lace go to waste and makes sure every baby is dressed in something unique. She can make up to 18 tiny angel gowns and wraps from one wedding dress. For the last four years, she has also been donating a kit with the gown, blanket, two hats and heart-shaped keepsake pillow to bereavement groups, funeral homes or hospitals in the Akron area. These kits include everything the family would need to take a little bit of their baby home with them. The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program accepts wedding and bridesmaid dresses in light shades of blue, pink or purple, and the organization keeps a waiting list for seamstresses to repurpose them into a burial gown for infants who have passed away. Besides the gowns, the organization also provides other items such as headbands, booties and caps, and has distributed them to local families. Other similar programs exist around the United States. For example, the NICU Angel Gown program at University of Michigan Health-West partnered with Hillary’s Cherished Gowns to provide wedding dresses for grieving families. This program is run by volunteers and is dedicated to helping families through the loss of their newborns. The organization also provides a comfort box for each family, complete with diapers, wipes and a heart-shaped trinket.

A child funeral is an important way for a family to grieve and remember their lost baby or child. Parents often feel a strong urge to protect their children from grief and death, and many people ask, “How could a child survive a funeral?” However, shielding a child from the grief process can actually be more harmful than not taking them to the service. The most important thing is to make sure the funeral is supportive and that it meets the needs of the entire family. Before the funeral, it’s a good idea to talk with your child about what will happen. Allow her natural curiosity to guide the conversation, and give as much detail as she seems interested in hearing. She may want to know what the room will look like, who will be there and how long everyone will stay. Some families also choose to take their child on a tour of the funeral home and other sites before the actual ceremony to help familiarize them with the environment. Explain what a casket is and the fact that it will be closed at some point during the service. If your child will be able to see their sibling in the casket, prepare them by describing their outfit (including shoes and socks). It is common for siblings to express grief in small doses and may need permission to play during the visitation or funeral services. It is also normal for outward signs of grief to come and go. Consider having the child’s closest friends or relatives read a personal tribute or poem at the service. Having the child’s favorite music played during the funeral can be comforting, as well. Often, the funeral home will be able to provide a tape or CD of the service so that you can watch and listen at a later time with your child. Many parents find that allowing their child to participate in activities at the funeral helps them open up about their feelings. For example, they might want their child to pass out programs before the service or be in charge of collecting flowers at the gravesite. Many children find comfort in having a “funeral buddy,” a friend who will support them and keep them safe while they attend the services. If your child decides to attend the funeral, be sure to let them know that they are welcome to change their mind at any time. If they do not wish to be present, it is a good idea to arrange for someone to care for them during the service and to spend the night with a close relative or friend. Depending on your financial situation, you may need to seek outside funding for the funeral costs. The TEARS Foundation offers financial assistance for bereaved parents that have suffered the loss of their infant. We can help you pay for a burial or cremation, or even just the basic funeral expenses.

Baby clothing is any clothing designed for infants. This includes items such as onesies, jumpsuits and diaper cover sets. Clothing for babies can be a fun way to show your love and excitement for the newest addition to your family. Baby clothes come in many styles and colors, allowing you to express yourself while keeping your little one cozy. Choosing the right clothes for your newborn can be tricky. You’ll want to register for clothes sized to fit your baby for their first year of life. You’ll also need to know how to dress them for different situations, such as daytime or nighttime. For newborns, you’ll need onesies and footie pajamas. These are comfortable and soft for sleepwear, as well as being a great way to keep your baby warm during the winter. Once your newborn gets a bit older, you’ll need to consider a more formal wardrobe for going out and about. Rompers are a popular choice for babies and toddlers. These one-piece jumpsuits have snaps on the front of them, making it easy to access your baby’s diaper in a pinch. They also have an envelope neckline, so you can easily slip the garment over a newborn’s head. You’ll also need a few pairs of shoes for your baby. These should be flexible and provide traction on the bottom. This will help your baby walk and crawl safely, reducing the risk of falls. Babies can start walking as early as six months, so you should be prepared with a pair of infant walking shoes. Newborns can be fussy, and getting them dressed and undressed can be a challenge. It’s important to make this process as quick and calm as possible, so your baby doesn’t get upset. It’s also helpful to dress your baby in a warm room with a soft surface. This will keep them as comfortable as possible while being dressed and undressed. It’s a good idea to wash your baby’s clothes before they wear them for the first time. This can help get rid of any excess dyes and chemicals. It can also reduce the risk of irritation to your baby’s sensitive skin. Laundry is a constant in the life of a new parent. You’ll need a good detergent that’s safe for your baby. Look for detergents labelled as sensitive or gentle, as these are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Laundering frequently will also help you reduce the amount of dirty laundry you have to do. When it comes to storing your baby’s clothing, you’ll need to keep the items organized. One of the easiest ways to do this is by folding them. This will save space and make them easier to transport when you’re on the go. You’ll also need to have a few extra blankets on hand, especially if you plan to take your baby out in the winter. You should also register for some hats and sunglasses, which can protect your baby’s eyes from the sun. If you’re planning to spend time at the beach or pool, stock up on a few swimsuits and rash guards as well.