Our Volunteers and the Volunteer of the Year
The Brides to Babies ProjectMarilyn is one of two volunteers with the interest, space, confidence, and skill to take on transforming wedding gowns into angel gowns as part of the Brides to Babies Project. In 2022, we accepted only six gowns into the project...not counting the gowns our seamstresses were given directly by their own friends and acquaintances since word of mouth about this unique work travels fast! This brings the grand total of all wedding gowns ever donated directly to Tiny Treasures to 60. In 2022, more than 40 items were created from the previously donated wedding gowns, including 33 bereavement gowns, as well as blankets, angel pockets, and more. |
Gifts Given in 2022
My modest goal, as an all-volunteer ministry, is to give one donation per month. We almost reached that goal (and would have except for a mix-up at the receiving end!). The total number of unique items given away in 2022 was 813 items, including everything from angel gowns, blankets, and booties, to candles, tissues and tissue holders. This means that from beginning to end, we only have 10 more items in the Tiny Treasury than we started with in 2022! It feels good to know we are managing and distributing our donations at a great, steady pace. In 2022, we made eleven donations of bereavement clothing, layettes, and care packages. The families receiving care packages were located in:
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Raising Awareness in 2022
I attended three different events to help raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss and the availability of Tiny Treasures as a resource. In August, I spoke at the Mary Queen of Peace House to the Stillwater Catholic Workers about the "Works of Mercy and Perinatal Loss" and how everyone can help families experiencing a loss. Also in August, my daughter and I attended Halos of the St. Croix Valley's 12th Annual Memorial Walk in New Richmond, WI, to share the resources that Tiny Treasures has for families facing and experiencing loss. Finally, in October, I led the "Wave of Light" Retreat at the Church of St. Michael (Stillwater, MN) for healing for loss families on the International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. |