As of December 2016, we have helped 121 families through individual donations. We are able to provide eligible families with one time $250 financial assistance. We pay a bill or take care of a need directly. All checks are made out directly to whom the money is owed (i.e. Xcel, landlord, etc.). In addition to this we have donated 174 gift cards through our gift card program. Our gift card program provides cafeteria and gas gift cards to families whose children are in the NICU.
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18
We have several painting outreaches at Children’s Hospital each year. This is a time where the children can get out of their rooms and paint on real canvas. It is a joy for the children and it also gives us a chance to minister to the parents and families during this time. We have our Celebration of Life where we invite all the families that we have helped in the past and throw a party in honor of the children! We have balloons, gift bags, food, a pinata, and love just celebrating these amazing children! In 2014 we added a school supply and backpack give away with our Celebration of Life. We gave away over 30 backpacks filled with supplies. We also do an adopt a family at Christmas where we find willing individuals, families, or groups who provide needy families in their area with a food box and gifts for the children.
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Matthew 26:38
We believe that one of the most powerful things we can do for these families is to stand with them in prayer and so we have a prayer chain as well. We also see the practical need of food while having a child in a hospital. Many times parents will go without eating because they do not want to leave their child. We are just beginning a meal program and have helped several families in this way.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2