Q: What kinds of things can I donate?
A: We need things like blankets (quilted, crochet, knitted), baby booties, hats, handmade small dolls, visual stimulation objects in white, black, and/or red, and anything for mom ( I got a necklace once w/ my babies birth stones) to put a smile on their face.

Q: I would like to donate, but I am not crafty. How can I help?
A: You don't have to be crafty, we can always use un-opened packs of preemie onesies, hats, store bought blankets, socks, small toys (all these must be new). You can also donate word search puzzles, pens, and anything for the mom. We also accept donations through pay pal to support our cause and to purchase materials (ex: the baskets). You can also help tremendously by just spreading the word about our website to your friends and family.

Q: I would like to send a card, can I?
A: Certainly, cards would be a great way to show the moms/families in the NICU that someone out there cares and is thinking about them during this difficult time.

Q: Will I be recognized for donating?
A: Yes, your name will appear on our website www.basketsforhope.org under contributors, and with your donation I ask that you attatch a small label to each of your donations that state your Name, City, State, and e-mail (optional). You can also write something about your product on your label. (ex: the necklace in question one, had a note saying "Keep your babies close to your heart when you can't be with them")

Q: Do I have to be recognized?
A: Of course not, we do require that all donations come with the senders Name, City, State, and e-mail (optional) for our records. If you want your donations to be anonymous please let us know.

Q: I don't have any patterns for preemie blankets, booties, hats etc. What can I do?
A: On our website, under links we have a variety of links to free patterns for preemies. Note: This is for charity purposes only. Never use another persons pattern to sell unless authorized.

Q:What is and how do I make visual stimulation objects in white, black, and/or red?
A: *Copied from my NICU packet*

Visual Stimulation is important for growth and development during infancy. Early in the infants' development, visual acuity is limited to a focal length of about 14". Contrasting colors of Black and White are most captivating. Figures showing faces, checkerboard and Circular shapes appear to be the most stimulating. These figures were developed for use in special care nurseries for growing, healthy premature and term infants. Of course, Mom and Dad provide the most important stimulation and nothing can Replace that! For maximum visual stimulation, place in a safe area about 14" away from your baby in the visual field.

In order to make them it's simple... if you have a printer, white paper and a paint program on your computer, it's rather easy. Just design some black and white objects (examples below) and print them on paper, and send them as a donation. If you want to change it up a little bit, you can also use black, white and red felt.