In 2020 I started #Carter'sChristmas. I put together 17 boxes in honor of everyday Carter was here on Earth with us. In these boxes were gift cards, resources for parents, gas vouchers, homemade baby blankets, burp cloths, and cuddle cloths. I put these boxes together with my own money and on my own time. It filled my heart with so much joy and I wished that I could do more. I think that most people can agree that when you have lost a loved one, the Holiday's just aren't the same. The season that is supposed to be jolly, is filled with sadness and is just another reminder that your loved one is no longer here. Being in the NICU is such a hard and unknowing time and the hospital isn't an ideal place to spend Christmas. Carter's Christmas was just something to help keep my mind busy and to get me through the Holiday season. It has now turned into that and so much more.
In 2021 Carter's Creation was founded. We had our very first fundraiser (Adopt a Ducky 2021) and were able to raise over $5,000 dollars! With this money we were able to give Christmas boxes to 60 families in the NICU as well as Thanksgiving dinner to the families in the Ronald McDonald House. (Currently we are only serving the St. Luke's Boise NICU and the Boise Ronald McDonald House).
2022 was a great year for Carter's Creation. Throughout the year we were able to help several families in and out of the NICU. On July 10th, my Husband and I spent the day at the Ronald McDonald House. We helped around the house and provided a taco bar dinner for the families there. We were able to provide 45 boxes to the NICU this year for #carterschristmas. That covered every single family in the NICU at Christmas Time. The boxes included a $25 Chevron gift card, a blanket, The Littlest Reindeer Book, a Carter's Creation Notebook, and a note from us.
2023 we started off with a Bang! We did a Silent Auction via Facebook. Everything from the Auction was donated by individuals or businesses and we had over 15 baskets. It was a huge success, and we were able to raise a good chunk of money to start the year with.
We are SO thankful to our community and surrounding area for supporting us in this cause and for the opportunity to help other families. We can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store. Stay tuned for future events and announcements!