Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Moved.

2010-01-12T10:41:00.001-08:00

Please visit our new blog and website.

www.heartstringsandangelwings.org

Thank you!!!!!

Deliveries

2009-12-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of recent deliveries made to hospitals!

The first went to Lafayette General Medical Center.This box was our first major delivery to Women's & Children's hospital in Lafayette.
And here is our first delivery being accepted at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge!

We're making a diference now at 3 different hospitals!

Please don't forget that we also accept and welcome special requests for clothing, so if you or someone you know is in need, please contact us!

December Workday!

2009-12-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

Look at all the awesome things made at our December workday!!! Thanks to all who sewed with us!

Donation from Rayne High 4-H

2009-12-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

We were very honored to accept a HUGE donation from the Rayne High School 4-H club. This group was able to make over 150 pieces to donate for the babies in the NICU. We thank them so much for their hardwork and appreciate their dedication to our cause.

Thank you so much!

November Workday

2009-11-22T05:42:00.000-08:00

We had a very productive workday this month! We were able to finish a lot of our Christmas items and so much more!

The items on this table are bereavement items which left for the hospital the day of the workday. There has been a need for these and we are happy to fulfill that need.Look at all we made!A closeup on some of the Christmas shirts for the babies.
And we were presented with a large banner that some of our volunteers made. Thank you all so much!

Thanks to our volunteers who came this month! Hope to see you again December 5th! And as always we welcome any volunteers who would love to make items for our smallest miracles.

Website Issues

2009-11-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of finding a new provider and host for our website, so TEMPORARILY, it will be down. But, fear not, all of the information you could once find on the website, you can now find here on our blog.

October 2009 Newsletter

Gumbo Cookoff

In the News

August Workday

2009-08-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

August workday was a huge success! Thanks to all who came out and helped us make so many wonderful baby things!

Remember, there is no workday next month due to Labor Day weekend. Contact us if you are interested in sewing before that workday, we do have some patterns for distribution ready.

Look at all we got done!

Blankets.

Shirt wraps.

Shirts.

Frogs.

Snakes.

Thanks again! See you next time!

June Workday

2009-05-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, June 6, 2009 is a
Heartstrings & Angel Wings workday!!

The NICU babies are in need of clothing, blankets, isolette covers, etc and this is an excellent opportunity to get a large quantity of products ready for the babies and ready to deliver in the shortest amount of time! It's also a time to get caught up on what's happening in the organization and enjoy each other's company all while giving to a great cause.

Sewing experience is great, but not required!! (We can either instruct you on how to perform a simple sewing task, or set you up doing something non-sewing related.) If you do sew, we appreciate you bringing your own machine with you if possible.

Please RSVP as soon as possible. RSVPs are very important to make sure we have the right amount/type of equipment and material there for you to use! You can RSVP to heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com.

Saturday, June 6, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rachel Patin's home
Breaux Bridge, LA
*Lunch/snacks will be provided.

Please pass the information to anyone who may be interested!

Check our blog for the latest updates and see our last workday:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.blogspot.com/

Contact us:
Email: heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com
www.heartstringsandangelwings.com

Kids Zone Sponsor

2009-05-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

We were a Kids Zone sponsor for the March for Babies event! This is a result of the fundraising at our Gumbo Cook-Off in March! Thank you for helping us make this possible!

Thank you Missy for the picture!

We Marched for Babies

2009-05-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

We walked 3 miles through River Ranch over the weekend to help the March of Dimes and their mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Our team had an amazing turnout for our first walk - this photo is missing about 5 of our team. Thank you to all who joined our team! We more than doubled our fundraising goal! Thank you!

Some other photos from the day.

White balloons were released at the end of the event for those babies no longer with us.

Thanks again and we hope to see you all again next year!!!!!

Amazing April Workday

2009-04-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing April workday on April 4th! Around 15 people joined us (our largest group to date), and almost all sew!! I can't wait for our next workday to see what's to come (which is going to be June 6th)! We keep growing and growing which is awesome. The fact that so many care about the babies in NICU tells so much about our community and the wonderful people in it. Thank you all so much for the support, volunteering, and helping us fulfill our mission. I know the NICU parents appreciate it so much! We are all so excited to see what the future is going to bring!

Our big group in action!

It was a real parking lot outside - it was great to have such a big turnout!

Everything on this table was either entirely sewn that day or finished that day. A lot of these things are ready for delivery or went to the NICU the same day with a nurse that came to the workday. We love it when she comes because we get a lot of advice and feedback. It helps us do our job better!

We also had a trio of ladies walk in with amazing quilted blankets, crocheted bereavement gowns- which were beautiful- and some other shirts, hats and things. So much talent! Thank you ladies for your donations and thank you for joining our group! (The bag under the table and the zipper bags to the right on the table are all from these ladies. I did not get a picture of what left though, but there was even MORE. They are so generous.)

This is all cut and ready for the next workday.

These items are ready for finishing at the next workday.

Thanks again to all who volunteered! You have made a huge difference in the life of a NICU baby and especially their parents! Thank You Thank You Thank You! See you in June!

Reminder: Our next workday is not until June 6th! We are skipping the May workday because we are walking in the March for Babies on May 2nd! It's never to late to join the walk! Or if you just want to donate, you can do so on our Team Page. March of Dimes is dedicated to the health of premature babies and it's an honor to support them.

F.Y.I.

2009-04-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

I am friends with the March of Dimes and March for Babies on both my personal Twitter account and my Facebook account. Yesterday March of Dimes made an announcement that a beautiful 17 month baby girl from California passed away - her name was Madeline Alice Spohr. She passed away due to lung complications from severe prematurity. Her story is amazing. They asked that donations be made in her memory to March of Dimes in lieu of flowers. [In one day they went from around 2 or 3 thousand dollars to over 18 thousand dollars. If you google Madeline Spohr you will find a ton of blogs mentioning Maddie. She was very loved, especially so in the blogging world.]

Her mom Heather had a blog, and as I read through it, I came across this article titled NICU FAQ and found it absolutely true and absolutely perfect. (It's something she gave words to that is so hard to put words to.) So much so, that I wanted to share what she had to say, since I think everyone should know this information. [I copied the information since her site is loading slowly because it's having a large quantity of hits right now.]

NICU FAQ
March 26, 2009
by Heather Spohr

Last week I became a March of Dimes Mom (my picture and bio aren’t up yet because I haven’t found a picture I like!). I am so honored to be able to give back to the community that did SO much for Mike and me when we were dealing with Madeline’s gestation and hospitalization. Once a month I’ll be blogging about the issues that Mike, Madeline, and I deal with due to prematurity. You know…pretty much like I already do!

The number one email I get is “I have a friend/cousin/neighbor with a baby in the NICU. What can I do for her/him?” After receiving three emails like this in the last four hours, I thought I would post my advice here. As with all advice, take it and adapt it to your friend. Everything I’m suggesting was what MIKE and I needed - it might not apply to the person you know in this situation. Disclaimer, shmishclaimer, let’s get on with it.

Things you can SAY:

Say Congratulations - this might seem like a no-brainer, but I can count on one hand the number of people that congratulated me on becoming a new mom. A baby is an amazing, joyous event, and should be treated as such.

Ask questions. Just like you would ask a mom with a healthy baby how breast feeding & weight gain is going, ask a NICU parent how their baby is doing. Don’t be afraid to ask what acronyms and medical terms mean. The parents will be happy to talk about their child - it makes the baby more real, more THERE, even when the baby is miles away.

Ask to see pictures - just like you would with a healthy baby.

Things you should NOT say:

“When can I see the baby in person?” No one wants to show off their baby more than new parents. If they are comfortable bringing you into the NICU to see the baby AND the baby is healthy enough, they will practically drag you back there.

“When is the baby coming home?”As soon as the parents know, YOU will know.

“She’s going to be okay.” Do you have a crystal ball? That’s what I thought. You DO NOT KNOW the baby is going to be OK. Believe me. TRUST ME. Infections are the dirty secret of the NICU, and they can hit any baby at any time. They are MAJOR, sometimes life-threatening setbacks.

What you can DO:

Offer to help. Volunteer to: walk dogs, do laundry, bring books & magazines, lend a computer if the parents don’t have a laptop, Google medical terms, print up NICU terms, babysit older kids, send cards, start prayer groups (should you be so inclined), pick up pumping supplies, be another set of ears when the parents need to hear important information - this could go on and on. Just BE THERE for your friends however they need you.

Sit in the waiting room, especially during a procedure.

Meet your friends for dinner in the Hospital Cafeteria. Better yet, BUY them dinner. BEST, BRING them dinner. Most NICU parents forget to eat. This is obviously not good, ESPECIALLY if the mom is breast feeding. If you make an appointment to eat with them, they will have to eat something.

If you can’t be there in person, call or email. You might not get a response, but it will definitely be heard and appreciated.

Offer to be the mom’s chauffeur. In my case, I’d just had surgery and wasn’t cleared to drive. Mike often went to the NICU first thing in the morning, but I had to stay home to pump and recover. My friend Brianne took me to the NICU and I was SO grateful.

Be the spokesman. The parents will have MANY people that want to know how the baby is doing. Offer to be the point person. Answer questions, email updates, keep everyone else informed.

What you can BRING:

FOOD

Comfortable clothes, especially for the new mom who just gave birth. NOTHING fits her. Bring her yoga pants, sweats, anything she can be comfortable in.

Button-down shirts and hoodies. These are AMAZING for when parents practice Kangaroo care.
A disposable camera to leave at the baby’s bedside so the nurses can take a picture of the baby when the parents aren’t there.

Gifts for the nurses. Nurses run hospitals - doctors just drop in. The parents will soon realize this, but they will have a hard time getting out of the hospital to get stuff for the nurses. Help them by bringing cookies, cakes, etc.

A NICU Parent Care Kit. These are some of the things Mike and I had, or wish we had:

kleenex
hand lotion (EXTREME CARE)
chap stick
antibacterial lotion
energy bars
gum, mints, mouth wash
tooth brush & toothpaste
hairbrush
gift card to baby store
hospital parking pass (most hospitals offer long-term parking options, but it’s still pricey)
wet wipes
energy bars
oatmeal cookies (oatmeal is good for breast milk production)
a notebook & pen to be a journal of thoughts, treatments, etc

ALWAYS REMEMBER:

The Dad. Mike heard countless times, “Oh, your poor wife.” As if he wasn’t also suffering! The dad’s baby is sick, too.

The NICU is a roller coaster, and just because you got good news from your friend yesterday doesn’t mean you’ll get good news today. Be prepared for any kind of update.

Be the kind of friend your friend needs. Some people want optimistic friends, some want realistic, some want silent pals, some want comedians, and some want all of the above. Know your friend, and LISTEN to what he or she needs. And then BE what s/he needs. Even if that means being the realistic friend when you’re normally Pollyanna. Even if you have to make fart jokes when you’re normally quoting statistics. Even when you have to admit that the baby might not make it. Especially then.

Don’t tell the parents how scared you are. THEY ARE MORE SCARED.

Saying something is always better than saying nothing. Get over yourself and contact your friend. They will remember that you didn’t. Yep. THEY WILL REMEMBER.

In the end, you know your friend/cousin/neighbor the best. Do what feels right. But do SOMETHING. The NICU is a hard place to spend time - do what you can to make a few minutes a little brighter. You’ll be glad you did.

Did I forget something? Let me know!!!

Madeline Alice Spohr 11/11/07-4/7/09 born at 29 weeks.

Join our walk

2009-04-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

March for Babies... It's extremely important.

And here is another...

The 2009 Ambassador.

Join our walk...

Click here.

April Workday!

2009-03-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, April 4, 2009 is a
Heartstrings & Angel Wings workday!!

The NICU babies are in need of clothing, blankets, isolette covers, etc and this is an excellent opportunity to get a large quantity of products ready for the babies and ready to deliver in the shortest amount of time! It's also a time to get caught up on what's happening in the organization and enjoy each other's company all while giving to a great cause.

No sewing experience is necessary!! (We can either instruct you on how to perform a simple sewing task, or set you up doing something non-sewing related.)

Please RSVP as soon as possible, and we'll send you more information (and directions if needed)! RSVPs are very important to make sure we have the right amount/type of equipment and material there for you to use! You can RSVP to heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com.

Saturday, April 4, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rachel Patin's home
Breaux Bridge, LA
*Lunch/snacks will be provided.

Please pass the information to anyone who may be interested!

Check our blog for the latest updates and see our last workday:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.blogspot.com/

Check out the website for more information and please continue to spread the word:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.com/

Contact us:
Email: heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com
www.heartstringsandangelwings.com

*****Please note that we will not be having a workday in May, as our workday falls on the March of Dimes, March for Babies walk! But please join us in Lafayette for the March for Babies!!!!!!!! If you are interested in joining our team, please contact one of us, or go to our Team Page and sign up there. Thanks!!!!

Cook-off Pictures

2009-03-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from the cookoff. To view descriptions of the pictures, go to my flickr stream - click here.

Thank you so much to everyone for the continued support!!

~Jennifer

Cook-Off

2009-03-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

More information on the cook-off coming soon (including lots of pictures), but for now...

The cookoff was a huge/major/super success and we appreciate all who were involved. We hope to have all of you again next year!!!

Again...

March Madness!

2009-03-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Lots of updates to post today!!!

_________________________________________________________________

First, our First Annual Gumbo Cook-Off is this weekend!!!! If you haven't signed up to cook and would like to, you haven't run out of time yet, the deadline to sign up was extended to March 12th. Call Colt ASAP to get signed up. His cell # is 277-6745. If you don't want to cook, there's still a lot of things to come out for. First, we will have a raffle for gift certificate donations that we received. (Awesome!) You must be present to win. Second, we will have a silent auction with lots of awesome items that have been donated to us. (You can view a partial list here.) Third, GUMBO!!! A public tasting will be held as soon as judging concludes.

At the event we will have information on hand about Heartstrings and you can sign up for updates and volunteer. We will also have information about March for Babies, and if you want to walk with us in May, you can sign up at the Cook-Off.

The gates open to the public at 7pm. Gumbo tasting and Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers begin at 8:00. The silent auction has 2 tables; bidding ends for Table 1 at 8:30 and Table 2 at 9:00. Award ceremony is at 9:00.

Please come join the fun!!!

___________________________________________________________________

Our March workday was a huge success! We got a lot of items completed! They are being washed and packaged and getting ready to be shipped off to the NICU.
So cute...
There are 2 ribbons per shirt, so this is a lot of little shirts!A few St. Patrick's Day bibs.Our next workday is April 4th. For more information about the workday, please see our newsletter on the website. Go HERE.

__________________________________________________________________________

Our March for Babies team is growing! You can join us by going to our team page, or contact one of us and we'll sign you up. March of Dimes is a great organization that works to prevent premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. With our help, maybe one day all babies will be born healthy.

__________________________________________________________________________

We're in the newspaper!

___________________________________________________________________________

Our brochure is on the homepage of our website as a pdf. Anyone can print it out now if needed.

Mark your Calendars!!! First Annual Cookoff!

2009-02-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

We are also having a silent auction with lots of awesome items!

Please plan to attend!!!

March Workday!

2009-02-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, March 7, 2009 is a
Heartstrings & Angel Wings workday!!

The NICU babies are in need of clothing, blankets, isolette covers, etc and this is an excellent opportunity to get a large quantity of products ready for the babies and ready to deliver in the shortest amount of time! It's also a time to get caught up on what's happening in the [*non-profit*] organization and enjoy each other's company all while giving to a great cause.

No sewing experience is necessary!! (We can either instruct you on how to perform a simple sewing task, or set you up doing something non-sewing related.)

Please RSVP as soon as possible, and we'll send you more information (and directions if needed)! RSVPs are very important to make sure we have the right amount/type of equipment and material there for you to use! You can RSVP to heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com, rachel_patin@yahoo.com, or cbccrafts@centurytel.net.

Saturday, March 7, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rachel Patin's home
Breaux Bridge, LA
*Lunch/snacks will be provided.

Please pass the information to anyone who may be interested!

Check our blog for the latest updates and see our last workday:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.blogspot.com/

Check out the website for more information and please continue to spread the word:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.com/

Contact us:

Email: heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com
http://www.heartstringsandangelwings.com/

February Workday - Feb 7th

2009-01-20T06:34:00.000-08:00

Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, February 7, 2009 is a
Heartstrings & Angel Wings workday!!

The NICU babies are in need of clothing, blankets, isolette covers, etc and this is an excellent opportunity to get a large quantity of products ready for the babies and ready to deliver in the shortest amount of time! It's also a time to get caught up on what's happening in the [*non-profit*] organization and enjoy each other's company all while giving to a great cause.

No sewing experience is necessary!! (We can either instruct you on how to perform a simple sewing task, or set you up doing something non-sewing related.)

Please RSVP as soon as possible, and we'll send you more information (and directions if needed)! RSVPs are very important to make sure we have the right amount/type of equipment and material there for you to use! You can RSVP to heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com, rachel_patin@yahoo.com, or cbccrafts@centurytel.net.

Saturday, February 7, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rachel Patin's home
Breaux Bridge, LA
*Lunch/snacks will be provided.

Please pass the information to anyone who may be interested!

Check our blog for the latest updates and see our last workday:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.blogspot.com/

Check out the website for more information and please continue to spread the word:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.com/

Contact us:

Email: heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com
www.heartstringsandangelwings.com

January Workday

2009-01-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

Another successful workday for Heartstrings & Angel Wings!!!!!

We had a couple of new faces working with us for this workday and we thank you very much for being a part of our group.

Item Inventory:

83 pieces including shirts and blankets made Saturday

150 total pieces ready for delivery including 1 unit cover, blankets, shirts, and loveys

Next workday is February 7th!

Jan. Workday

2008-12-22T07:02:00.001-08:00

Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, January 3, 2009 is a
Heartstrings & Angel Wings workday!!

The NICU babies are in need of clothing, blankets, isolette covers, etc and this is an excellent opportunity to get a large quantity of products ready for the babies and ready to deliver in the shortest amount of time! It's also a time to get caught up on what's happening in the [*non-profit*] organization and enjoy each other's company all while giving to a great cause.

No sewing experience is necessary!! (We can either instruct you on how to perform a simple sewing task, or set you up doing something non-sewing related.)

Please RSVP as soon as possible, and we'll send you more information (and directions if needed)! RSVPs are very important to make sure we have the right amount/type of equipment and material there for you to use! You can RSVP to heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com, rachel_patin@yahoo.com, or cbccrafts@centurytel.net.

Saturday, January 3, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rachel Patin's home
Breaux Bridge, LA
*Lunch/snacks will be provided.

Please pass the information to anyone who may be interested!

Check our blog for the latest updates and see our last workday:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.blogspot.com/

Check out the website for more information and please continue to spread the word:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.com/

Contact us:
Email: heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com
http://www.heartstringsandangelwings.com/

December Workday

2008-12-08T04:28:00.000-08:00

Our workday Saturday was fantastic! We had a couple of extra (new) people come by to lend a hand, and we were able to get a lot done. I (Jennifer) learned how to use a sewing machine and made some shirts. And even Heidi learned to use a surger and made a lot of blankets. We were able to get a lot of Christmas things ready to send to the hospital, and we are well on our way to having even more to send once the holidays are over.

Here are some pictures from our day.

Our group (minus me).

Proof - she can sew now.Our work from the day!Thanks everyone for coming and helping our cause! Look for the announcement of the next workday soon!!

December Workday

2008-11-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, December 6, 2008 is a
Heartstrings & Angel Wings workday!!

The NICU babies are in need of clothing, blankets, isolette covers, etc and this is an excellent opportunity to get a large quantity of products ready for the babies and ready to deliver in the shortest amount of time! It's also a time to get caught up on what's happening in the [*non-profit*] organization and enjoy each other's company all while giving to a great cause.

No sewing experience is necessary!! (We can either instruct you on how to perform a simple sewing task, or set you up doing something non-sewing related.)

Please RSVP as soon as possible, and we'll send you more information (and directions if needed)! RSVPs are very important to make sure we have the right amount/type of equipment and material there for you to use! You can RSVP to heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com, rachel_patin@yahoo.com, or cbccrafts@centurytel.net.

Saturday, December 6, 2008
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rachel Patin's home
Breaux Bridge, LA
*Lunch/snacks will be provided.

Please pass the information to anyone who may be interested!

Check our blog for the latest updates and see our last workday:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.blogspot.com/

Check out the website for more information and please continue to spread the word:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.com/

Contact us:

Email: heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com

www.heartstringsandangelwings.com

In the News

2008-11-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

Heartstrings & Angel Wings in the News!

KLFY - Passe Partout - Chef Colt Patin spoke about the Gumbo Cook-Off, Heartstrings, and cooked gumbo

The Teche News - 3/11/2009

KATC - Good Morning Acadiana - Chef Colt Patin spoke about the Gumbo Cook-Off and Heartstrings 3/13/2009

KLFY - Coverage of the Gumbo Cook-Off 3/14/2009

Gumbo Cookoff 2009

2008-11-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

**Our 2009 cook-off was a super huge success! Thank you to everyone who took part in this wonderful event. You all have touched more lives than you realize and we look forward to having you all again next year! Thank You Thank You Thank YOU!!!

And CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners!

Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
First Place - Bon Roux Krewe
Second Place - Yogi's Metal
Third Place - Team Boo Roux

Seafood Gumbo
First Place - Mylls Callier Team
Second Place - G&G Cooks
Third Place - Baker Corp. Champions

Please join us for the
First Annual Gumbo Cook-Off,
Raffle, and Silent Auctionat Crawfish Town USA!!!

All proceeds for this event benefit Heartstrings & Angel Wings
and March of Dimes!!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

**26 teams are scheduled to compete!!!! Thank you!!!**

**Event is being held rain or shine!**

Held under the Pavillion at Crawfish Town USA before & during the Fais Do Do featuring Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers.

Mail in your entry form before March 12, 2009 to participate in the Cook-Off. Categories are Seafood Gumbo and Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. (Entry form can be found on the Crawfish Town USA website.)

For all information including times and rules, please visit the Crawfish Town website.

We will also have a silent auction and raffle during the Cook-Off, so if you are interested in donating any items, please contact Colt at chefcoltpatin@yahoo.com.

Recruiting for this event is appreciated and encouraged!!!!

Schedule of events:
3:00 pm Team Registration
4:00 pm DJ for teams
7:00 pm Gates open to public
7:30 pm Judges are served
8:00 pm Public tasting of gumbos
8:00 pm Live music w/ Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers
8:30 pm Silent Auction Table #1 - auction ends
9:00 pm Silent Auction Table #2 - auction ends
9:00 pm Award Ceremony
10:00 pm Gumbo Cook-off ends

Items up for auction/raffle include:
Cajun Microwave courtesy of Al Simon's Cajun Microwaves
Double Burner courtesy of Frank's Casing Crew
Pearl Necklace courtesy of Marilyn's Fine Jewelry
Montecristo No. 3 cigars courtesy of Cajun Cigars of Breaux Bridge
Cabin Rental courtesy of Bayou Boudin
Speed Zone 2 Float courtesy of Budweiser
Brandon Stokley signed football courtesy of Christy Castille
Free Swamp tour for 2 courtesy of Cajun Swamp Tours
Children's Photo Shoot courtesy of Jennifer Patin Photography
Wooden Paddles courtesy of K Mays Crafts LLC
Gift Basket courtesy of Crawfish Town USA
Speciality Hair Products courtesy of Salon de Ville and Spa
Cajun Classic Pot with Tailgaiting kit courtesy of Targil and Bruce Foods Corp
LSU 5' Swing (with stand)
2 LSU children's rockers
LSU Children's table with 4 stools
Garden ornaments
Glass Table
Outdoor Chiminea
Outdoor Garden Statue courtesy of Chastant Brothers
Outdoor folding single burner
Shadow box frame (Boy) courtesy of Wendy Reaux
Outdoor Sun decoration courtesy of Jockey Lot

.....and more.....

October 2009 Newsletter

2008-11-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

October 2009 Newsletter

Thank you for the continuing support and a special thank you and welcome to all of our new volunteers! Our list of volunteers continues to grow!

Workday Announcements

Our October workday was a huge success. We were able to complete several unit covers, many many snakes and shirts, and a bunch of cute little Halloween outfits for the babies (which have already been delivered). Next workday we will be getting started on our Christmas clothing and any other fall items. We will be making as many as we can for both Lafayette hospitals, so any donations of Christmas fabric which is appropriate for babies would be greatly appreciated. Especially cotton knit or cotton flannel.

November 7th is our next workday. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Reminders will be sent as the date gets closer.

We are in need of more volunteers who sew to come to our monthly meetings. We have recently been accepted to bring donations to Women & Children's Hospital so that's an extra 50+ babies that we can help [in addition to the 25+ that we send to at LGMC]. So if you or someone you know may be interested in sewing, please contact us. heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com We do ask that you bring your own sewing machine to the workday, but thread and material is provided for you.

We have extra patterns and instructions available to bring home at our next workday for any that are interested in sewing or working from home. Items completed or worked on at home will be collected at the next workday (or special arrangements can be made) and delivered to the hospital afterward. Please do not make anything at home and deliver straight to the hospital.

November Workday Information ((please join us))

Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, November 7, 2009 is a
Heartstrings & Angel Wings workday!!

The NICU babies are in need of clothing, blankets, isolette covers, etc and this is an excellent opportunity to get a large quantity of products ready for the babies and ready to deliver in the shortest amount of time! It's also a time to get caught up on what's happening in the organization and enjoy each other's company all while giving to a great cause.

Sewing experience is great, but not required!! (We can either instruct you on how to perform a simple sewing task, or set you up doing something non-sewing related.) If you do sew, we appreciate you bringing your own machine with you if possible. Material and thread will be provided for you.

Please RSVP as soon as possible. RSVPs are very important to make sure we have the right amount/type of equipment and material there for you to use and get you some directions! You can RSVP to heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com.

Saturday, November 7, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rachel Patin's home
Breaux Bridge, LA
*Lunch/snacks will be provided.

Please pass the information to anyone who may be interested!

Check our blog for the latest updates and see pictures from our last workday:
http://heartstringsandangelwings.blogspot.com/

Contact us:
Email: heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com
www.heartstringsandangelwings.com

Donations

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What you can donate to Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Time
You can donate your time to Heartstrings at our once monthly workshop days or you can request items to prepare at home.

Talent
If you have a talent or professional skill which you think would be useful to the organization, and you would like to donate your time/talent please get in touch with us via email or our contact us form.

Fabric
You can donate fabric for clothing and other items made. Go to the "Products" page for more information as to what you can purchase.

Materials
We do need some office materials for mailings, brochures, and flyers distributed by the group as well as other things needed for distribution.

Examples of materials that you can donate are:
pastel colored paper (24# best)
envelopes
plastic zipper bags for packaging
Dreft (for washing)

Monetary Donations
We accept cash or check donations made payable to Heartstrings & Angel Wings. Please contact us for the mailing address.

Products

2008-11-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

Our items that are donated to area hospitals:

NICU-friendly Shirts
NICU-friendly Wraps
NICU-friendly Gowns
Receiving Blankets
Isolette Covers
Crochet Items

MATERIAL LISTS (add All purpose thread to all lists)

Diaper shirts & Gowns
-Cotton Flannel, Cotton Knit, or Soft Broadcloth
-Velcro (regular, not adhesive back)

Receiving Blankets
-Fleece
-Cotton Knit

Bibs & Burp Cloths
-Terry Cloth
-Soft Fabric for back
-1/2 or 1 inch wide ribbon for tie

Crochet & Knitted Items
- Soft yarn with no metallic thread, no fuzzy texture, no wool.
- Fingering sport, worsted weight

Isolette Cover (to prevent light and noise from hurting baby)
-1 1/4 yard of plain & very dark fabric for inside
-1 1/4 yard broadcloth for outside of cover, can be any pattern
- Package of medium weight batting

Lovey
- Fleece
- Fiber Fill

Cuddler
- 2/3 yard of cotton or poly-cotton blend
- Batting

Home

2008-11-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

Clothing our smallest miracles.

Welcome to the website for Heartstrings & Angel Wings, a non-profit charity organization dedicated to supporting premature babies and their families. We provide clothing and other items used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units during the (often extended) stay for the family's newest members.

Our organization works off of the donations of time, talent, and funds of the people in the communities served by our Acadiana area hospitals who are touched by the stories and heorism of premature babies and their families. Without your help, we will not be able to continue, so please, send us your information today and help. Anything you can do, small or large, is greatly appreciated. (Monetary donations are also accepted.)

Visit our blog for updates and news on what's going on in the group as well as pictures of all our deliveries! http://heartstringsandangelwings.blogspot.com

How we were formed.
Heartstrings and Angel Wings was formed after the birth of Heath Logan - a Breaux Bridge area premature baby related to some of our members - born 16 weeks too soon. Micro preemie baby clothing is not readily available, and often hard to find, so our goal is to provide clothing to fit any of these small babies. This relieves a little of the stresses felt by parents with babies in Neonatal ICU and also provides comfort to the baby. The premature babies we provide clothing for range from 1 pound or less to 6 pounds in weight. Most babies stay for weeks or months in Neonatal ICU. The items we provide families with are shirts, gowns, hats, blankets, incubator covers, loveys, etc.

"Miracle" Babies
Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are deemed premature.

In the last 20 years, the rate of premature birth increased 31 percent.

Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns.

Prematurity affects 1 in every 8 babies in the United States.

Babies who survive may face serious, lifelong health problems.

Premature babies stay in Neonatal Intensive until approximately until their due date.

Causes of nearly half of all preterm births are unknown.

Preterm birth is the leading challenge in pediatrics.

On an average day in the United States, 1,305 babies are born premature (before 37 weeks); 213 are born severely premature (before 32 weeks).

Hospitals in the area that we aid.

Lafayette General Medical Center NICU
Can accomodate 25 babies.

Women's & Childrens NICU
Can accomodate 54 babies.

What you can do to help.

Any service provided to Heartstrings is very appreciated. You can help in the smallest or largest of capacities. These are some of the service areas in which we need help:

Donate (money or materials)
Sew Clothing (patterns provided)
Cut Patterns (material and patterns provided)
Wash Clothing (Dreft)
Package Clothing (Sealed zipper bags)
Distribute Flyers/Brochures

If you have any questions, or would like to join our organization, please email us today! All you need to do is send your name, address, phone number and provide us with what you would like to do. We'll contact you with the rest!

Heartstrings & Angel Wings

Breaux Bridge, LA
heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com

About Us

2008-11-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

Our Mission

Heartstrings and Angel Wings, Inc. is a non-profit, charity organization which provides clothing for premature babies in Acadiana area Neonatal Intensive Care Units for comfort to families and babies during a time clouded with much uncertainty. Heartstrings also provides Acadiana area hospitals with items used to comfort premature babies during their extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Angels coming out to play

Angels coming out to play
Angels touch our life each day.
Though we may not know they're there
There are angels...everywhere!
Angels can cause a heart to sing...
Angels give our spirits wings!
An angel's touch can bring God so near
An angel's smile...can dry a tear.
Have you felt a tug on your heartstrings?
Chances are it was caused by angel wings.
They flutter softly in the light...
Shimmering with edges so gold so bright
We mere mortals to earth are bound,
Angels trod on holy ground.
So next time you are feeling low,
Remember...angels are there...
Wherever you go!

It's been a long time...

2008-11-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

Our first Saturday workday was last weekend, and it was a very very good day! Here are some pictures!! Lots of blankets and shirts!

Another workday is already scheduled!!!! December 6th, 9am-1pm. Be there or be square! Help our babies out!

Meeting & Website

2008-01-30T11:18:00.001-08:00

Our first meeting is scheduled for March 4th at 6:30 pm. We will be meeting at Crawfish Town in Henderson. (Directions at the Crawfish town website.)

If you know someone that you think would be interested, please do not hesitate to let them know about our group, direct them to this blog, or direct them to our website. The website is up and running now and complete. Go to www.heartstringsandangelwings.com and check it out!!! All information you would care to know is available there.

Spread the word and let us know if you have any questions or comments!

2008-01-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

I know that this is really late, but better late than never right?? This is a pic of the Christmas bibs that were delivered to the Lafayette General NICU before Christmas. They were very cute.

**Keep checking back on this blog and the website for the announcement of the first meeting!!! It's coming up really really soon!

FIRST DELIVERY

2007-11-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Our first delivery is going to Lafayette General! How exciting!

We are outfitting the babies in the NICU with Thanksgiving Turkey bibs made by Christy! There is a total of 13 turkey bibs!

Here are some pics!

Each bib was washed in Dreft, dried on a line, and packaged in a sandwich baggie. It included a little slip of paper which said who the item was from. In the future, when our volunteers are making the bibs and other items, the item will include a card where the volunteer can sign her/his name and include a message if desired.

If you haven't already sent in your information and are interested in joining, please let me know. Also, if you are interested in distributing a stack of brochures to those that you know, please let me know. I would like to be able to print out an accurate amount once the brochures go to printing. Once they are printed, I will reserve stacks of 10 (or more if requested) for those that ask for brochures to distribute. The brochures will be printed ASAP (waiting on a P.O. Box), and distributed before the end of the year. Our first meeting will be held at the beginning of the year!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with those that you love the most!

Pull your Heartstrings

2007-11-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

During Heath's early days in the NICU, we got to the point where Heidi and Colt were told that they could dress Heath. First thought was - ha ha, yea right - and where are we supposed to find clothes for someone so small?!?!?!?!?!? But after some searching on the internet by myself and Baba, we were able to find an internet store that sold NICU friendly itty bitty baby clothes. They were kind of pricey and the shipping charge was ridiculous. Then Baba got the idea to see if Christy (world's best seamstress ;P) could duplicate the clothes that were bought of the internet (size and construction wise). She said that she could, then a light bulb went off.

Christy had heard of a group in other cities that aided parents with babies in Neonatal Intensive Care by making them clothes small enough to fit their itty bitty sons/daughters. And the groups also made them hats, blankets, booties, etc that make babies feel more comfortable while at the same time helping the parents feel more comfortable. That's when everything started falling into place. Christy had the idea, and Baba and I, so touched with our dealing with Heath, decided to go with it.

We are starting a new charity organization, called Heartstrings & Angel Wings, that will make the clothes, hats, and other items that these babies in NICU need to be more comfortable. There are places that have clothes ready for these babies, but sometimes the parents are too overwhelmed with what's going on in their child's life to be able to have the frame of mind to find the stores online. If we can help even in that smallest capacity, it has the chance of meaning the world to these parents.

So what we are looking for now is volunteers. We need volunteers that can give either their time, talent, materials, or money to the organization to get us up and running. We have a variety of areas in which we need volunteers, some are: sewing the clothes, cutting the patterns, washing the clothes, getting more volunteers, spreading the word, donating money, etc. If you have time to help it is greatly appreciated. We are still in the process of ironing out the details of when and if we will have meetings, dropoff points, etc. Right now we are trying to judge the interest in the organization, to get better ideas of what we need in the group. Whatever you volunteer for, you will definitely get all the instructions and directions that you need to be able to perform your task to the best of your ability.

So this is what is keeping me busy - putting together flyers, brochures, making a website (still under construction), making a new blog (the hint referenced to yesterday, there's a link on the right), meetings, coming up with ideas etc. When the website is totally ready, I will put a huge link and announcement on this blog and the Heartstrings blog also.

Since we are still under construction, and are just trying to judge the interest, if you are interested, please leave a comment on this blog with your email or send an email to heartstrings_angelwings@yahoo.com. Be sure to leave your address and phone number and what you are interested in doing so we can contact you when the organization is ready to begin working. It may be a few weeks before we contact you, but you will definitely not be forgotten. Our goal is to make this organization a long-term success and we cannot do that without the help of our community.

We hope that the stories of these babies, our smallest miracles, touches your heart the way that it has touched all of ours. Can you be a blessing to one of these Angels??

Angels coming out to play

Angels coming out to play
Angels touch our life each day
Though we may not know they're there
There are angels...everywhere
Angels can cause a heart to sing...
Angels give our spirits wings!
An angel's touch can bring God so near
An angel's smile...can dry a tear.
Have you felt a tug on your heartstrings?
Chances are it was caused by angel wings.
They flutter softly in the light...
Shimmering with edges so gold so bright
We mere mortals to earth are bound,
Angels trod on holy ground.
So next time you are feeling low,
Remember...angels are there...
Wherever you go!

First Post

2007-11-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is just the beginning of something truly beautiful...

Stay tuned for details.

Jennifer
HS&AW