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Hey, friends! I hope you are loving the holiday season so far! Our family spent Thanksgiving with my side of the family for the first time since 2013- last year we had JUST moved and stayed home and celebrated with friends, and the year before we spent at the deer lease with my husband’s side. I love Thanksgiving any way we spend it!
One thing I’m really trying to focus on this season is others that may not be enjoying the season as much- families struggling to pay the mortgage, much less buy Christmas gifts. Families who have just experienced some kind of brokenness. And families with really sick kiddos, who very well could spend their entire holiday season in the hospital.
Our son Landon’s first Christmas was almost spent in the hospital. Crazily enough, it had nothing to do with his chronic illness, but because he had RSV. Thankfully, we got out a few days before Christmas and were able to be at home. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for families with sick kids, and especially when they have to spend their holiday time away from home, family, friends, and everything that makes Christmas time special.
Each year, we try to do something special for patients staying at the Ronald McDonald House here in Houston. A few years ago, we bought several kitchen supplies to help stock their pantry. This year, I wanted to create a gift basket for their Santa Shop. Individuals and companies donate gifts, and parents are able to come in and shop for their children- and children for their parents- all for free! It helps ease one aspect of their already overwhelmed lives.
I decided to do a basket with gifts for a teenage girl. I loved creating this gift basket! My daughter Allie helped me.
Here’s what we included and makes great options for a gift basket for sick children.
A journal with pens
A scarf
A SUPER soft blanket
Lip balm
Sugar scrub
Antibacterial sanitizer
Lotion
Other ideas: playing cards or other easily-portable games, gift cards, or stuffed animals.
The RMDH also takes donations for their commissary, which includes necessary supplies such as paper towels and diapers. I picked up a few things at Sam’s Club to donate there as well, including a package of Member’s Mark Female Maximum Absorbency Underwear. I usually think of this underwear for older people, but for those with medical needs, sometimes younger people need them as well.
Sam’s is a great place for one-stop shopping. Members can shop for holiday goodies and for caregiving needs all at the same time. Caregivers are such special people and anything to make their job easier is a win. If you’re a caregiver, check out Sam’s Club Family Caregiving and their Members Mark products.
Giving back to our community is one thing that makes the holidays so special for us and keeps our minds off of the commercialized aspects.
About Kelli Hays
