Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The Lucas Wemyss Little Loves Fund

Hi Everyone!

I am so excited to announce that I've started a fund of my own in honor of Lucas! To me, this is a way to have a hands-on approach to helping these little babies and their families. Donating to charity is great and wonderful, and I WILL continue to do that, however, this allows me the chance to GO to our local NICU wards and GIVE them items that I hope will help these families and in turn touch the lives of these little babies. I may or may not get to actually meet any of these families, but at least I know that you and I together...and Lucas's life...can do some kind of good for someone who needs it.

(The link to the donation page is at the end of this blog...but it's: www.youcaring.com/lwlittlelovesfund)

When a family is put in a NICU situation...the NICU and the other people in it is all there is sometimes. Home is not always a short drive away. That hospital is their home. If they are lucky, one parent my be able to stay in a charity house like Ronald McDonald House (and there are others). But as in our case when Lucas was born, all the houses were full. We were clear across the country paying for hotel rooms. Lucas was only with us for 6 days, but often families are in it for the long-haul....months! What if that was us? Enter...this fund.

I seem to want to do a lot with the donations, and I'm not expecting there to be some incredible amount to work with, so I may do something different every year depending on the amount.  Sometimes, I'll make care baskets, sometimes donate items for the NICU itself, donate items to Ronald McDonald House, and of course donate money to March of Dimes. There are PLENTY of possibilities to choose from!

The things I'm looking to provide these families include: gift cards to nearby restaurants, gas cards, calling cards, healthy snack foods, crossword and sudoku puzzles, small journal, sack of change for vending machines, inspirational books, personal care items.
***Those of you who have spent more time in the NICU, PLEASE send me some input on this***

NICU wards need blankets, hats, tiny clothes...they have a list of their own.

Ronald McDonald House needs food, cleaning products, everyday household items, personal care items.

I am so pumped about this. I just feel led by God to do this. I have always had a nagging heart for charity but almost never really do anything about it. That finally changed this year. I'm going to do this and I'd love to see this thing grow into something bigger someday!

As for how Ryan and I are doing...we're good! I blew up at my cousin a couple of weeks ago after she had a beautiful little girl, so things aren't PERFECT with my emotions, but I don't know that it ever will be. We're living in Pittsburgh, PA now. I like this place! We found a church here and it seems to be doing the trick. I had gotten a little Bible-lazy for a bit, but this past week I've started a devotional and a Faith Journal. And oh my goodness...I just encourage everyone to do this! It's wonderful. I pray that I never lose the enthusiasm that I have right now. 

So again, if you have any ideas or tips for me on how I can better help, PLEASE let me know. I pray that any donations the fund receives, may God show me where it is most needed, and I pray that I use it not only to help those in need, but use it to HIS glory!

Lucas Wemyss Little Loves Fund


<3 Jessica