Samples for Hospice (or other charity)

[mspete]

:) I contribute the samples of hair care, lotion, creams, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc to a group who takes "care packages" to the local Hospice center and women's shelters. They like the small sizes and helps stretch their budgets. I get more samples than I can possibly use and I am happy to share with someone who needs and can use them.

[mom2fussbudgets]

It's very nice of you, and a wonderful idea. :)

When I get a surplus of free-after-rebate stuff, I often donate it to Ronald McDonald House.

[pack04]

I think it's wonderful that you are donating to hospice because it is a great organization my father died about a month and a half ago and they helped him the last 6 months of his life with his pain. The nurse he had was wonderful she stayed with my family and I while my dad was in the process of dying.

[pack04]

ms pete were are you from ?

[mspete]

Pack04 - I live in middle Alabama (Jefferson County). I was born and reared in Cullman County, Alabama but I have lived in Jefferson County for 50 years. My BIL died in a Hospice center earlier this year. Hospice is a wonderful help for the dying and their family.

[bunny]

I think it's wonderful that you are donating to hospice because it is a great organization my father died about a month and a half ago and they helped him the last 6 months of his life with his pain. The nurse he had was wonderful she stayed with my family and I while my dad was in the process of dying.

I'm sorry for your loss I know it is hard I also lost my dad about 2 and a half monthes ago and it still seems like yesterday alot of the time.

[bunny]

:) I contribute the samples of hair care, lotion, creams, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc to a group who takes "care packages" to the local Hospice center and women's shelters. They like the small sizes and helps stretch their budgets. I get more samples than I can possibly use and I am happy to share with someone who needs and can use them.

What a terrific thing to do I'm sure they appreciate it.

[pack04]

bunny it does seem like yesterday and sometimes I catch myself talking about
him like he is still here. I miss him so much!

mspete it is a great organization most of my family and friends donated to hospice instead of flowers for the funeral for my dad.

[pack04]

thanks bunny and I'm sorry for your loss also.

[momsangel]

I think this is an excellent idea, Good for you for doing this!:)

[Ginger123]

Mspete,

What an awesome thing that you do! The last days of my Grandmothers life was spent in Hospice. All I can say is that Hospice is such a wonderful place for people who are suffering and are almost ready to go home to God. My Grandmother went peacefully and had minimal suffering. (so I think) Anyways, I respect you as a human being for your kindness and giving! God Bless! :)

[bvanpeltsw]

It's very nice of you, and a wonderful idea. :)

When I get a surplus of free-after-rebate stuff, I often donate it to Ronald McDonald House.

That is very thoughtful of you Chris. We have tons of NICU families utilize the Ronald McDonald house here.

[bvanpeltsw]

Since I already work for a non-profit I keep my samples for the families at the hospital. Many times the pregnant mothers are flown in with the clothes on their backs and anything can help them out.

[bvanpeltsw]

Wow! That's great what you do also! I would LOVE to help in ANYWAY that I can! Please! Please! Let me know what I can do! My daughter was born at 28 weeks gestational... And I know how it is to have a baby in the NICU for months and months!:(

Then you were touched by the March of Dimes. That is who I work for.;) I work in the NICU 20 hours a week to provide support to the parents and plan fun activities.

We have a lot of moms that are transported in via helicopter and they need hygiene supplies. I am sure they would greatly appreciate anything you could donate.;)

[NancyBJ]

Bravo to all of you! :D

That's how I started here at Start Sampling I think in 2000 (?)...not in the forums of course! I worked 19 years in High risk Labor and Deivery (we had the best NICU in NE PA!)- when our department closed :( last June I retired early and I'm still a Girl Scout Leader for my 2 girls...so all those samples I bearly touch- they mainly go into a BIG bag to go to the Women's Shelter, Ronald Mc Donald House, Hospices, Red Cross Kits etc.

My sympathies to Ms. Pete (it's a great thing you a doing!) and Bunny!

Kudos to bvanpelts...that is a stressful job at times- been there and done that! (Not like you have but in a different sense...my job never ended at the time of delivery. I also volunteered to teach parents CPR before they went home...some of us would try to visit as often as possible and we watched our "children" grow along with their parents)

Ginger...if you would like to do something for you NICU...Can you sew? Knit?
Blankets are always appreciated in the NICU and premie hats are great too!
If you can't I can teach you how to make felt blankets...e-mail me after my Prague trip! Also, my daughter and one other girl asked what they could do for the Ronald Mc Donald House (for their Bronze Award) answer...make cookies for the holidays. First year we make them on LARGE plates and made so many they couldn't use them all- so we took them to the NICU! (With hot chocolate cones of course!) The whole next day parents were coming over to L&D in tears thanking me because they didn't have time to bake & they had something to take home to their children...we didn't have enough cookie to go around(we have a HUGE NICU). That's when I realized some of the nurses baked too and brought them in.:) ....I guess what I am saying is you know your hospital- call them, tell them you'd like to help, tell them what you'd like to do or ask them what needs to be done you might be happily shocked by the answer! :)

Hugs to all,
Nancy

[bvanpeltsw]

I am going to call my local hospital tomorrow and see if I can volunteer in the NICU. I have some "stuff" to donate, but it's not alot.. I would rather donate my "hands" and time.. :)

See if there is a March of Dimes NICU Program in your hospital. They will set you up with a volunteer position or you can cuddle and hold the babies.

[mom2fussbudgets]

That is very thoughtful of you Chris. We have tons of NICU families utilize the Ronald McDonald house here.

Thanks, Brandy. :)

[moonchild64]

Wow! You folks brought tears to my eyes with this thread! What you all are doing is so wonderful! I just started looking for samples this week. I can hardly wait to start getting some in the mail so I can give some to my MIL who is under hospice care.

Lotions are definately a really nice item to give to hospice! Most folks under hospice care need to be rubbed down with lotion at least 5 days per week to help with their circulation. Also, around Christmas, if you have any non-perishable food items you don't want ... I bet they would like to have those. Hospice always gives my MIL a nice gift basket filled with little goodies at Christmas. I truly think she enjoys those more than any of the other gifts she recieves. You should see her face light up! Last year she got diabetic socks, lotion, some slipper socks made to look like Christmas elves, a canned ham, and other food items.

Another reason for the tears is you brought back some old memories. I lived in a homeless shelter at one time. (domestic violence situation) I can tell you from experience that the little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc. are sooooooooo appreciated!!!

You are all so sweet to do what you do! Thank you!!!!!!