We would like to thank everyone who has supported Bandages For Rosie since we started in September. With your help we have collected well over 4,500 boxes of bandages for children at our local hospitals. In dollars.. that translates to over $12,000 of generous giving.
The goal of Bandages for Rosie was not only to honor Rosie, but sick children everywhere. Because of our combined efforts, Rosie's story has reached every state, and internationally I've heard from people in Australia, Germany, Canada , and England.
Sadly, we have not had enough local support to sustain our continued efforts here in West Michigan. It is my heartfelt wish that the effort will be picked up and supported by others in every state and around the world by others to continue to honor children in memory of Rosie and other beautiful children who continue to live in our hearts.
With that in mind.. our current effort is to collect at least 1,000 boxes of Bandages for St. Judes Children's Hospital. There is a branch in Chicago and I'll likely send there as it is closer to home.
Donations have been trickling in... but we still need 900 boxes to make our goal. If we receive less than 500 boxes by August , the bandages will be donated locally to worthty organizations.
Please remember that cash donations can also be sent through the paypal link, as I have a source to purchase quality bandages at wholesale for 1.00 a box.. on bandages that retail for 2.00 to 3.00 per box.
If you are interested in sponsering a collection... it's easy! Have a car wash, set up a box.. have a yard sale. There is a poster you can download for collection sites to the left of the screen.
This website will continue to operate through September.
You can contact me at Grandmawithacamera@yahoo.com with any questions... thanks!
Remember, we are also on Facebook. : )
Bandages for Rosie is a grass roots effort with a goal of encouraging communities to donate and supply hospitals around the world with character bandages for children, in honor of someone they love.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Bandage Drop Off Day at Hackley!
Today Kayla and I dropped off 1,000 boxes of kids bandages to Hackley Hospital pediatrics ward in Muskegon Michigan.. THANK YOU to everyone who contributed.
Next up.. St. Judes's Children's hospital. While we won't be having a specific local bandage drive for St. Judes... please tell your friends across the country about our efforts! Let's see what the power of even a single box of bandages can do!
Bandages and donations accepted by mail, and donations to buy bandages are accepted by credit card and echeck through our paypal link. Thanks!
How it started:
Rosalee "Rosie" Hooker was a beautiful child who lost her battle with brain cancer August 4, 2009.
Her angelic blonde curls mixed with her feisty personality, touched the hearts of many people at home and around the world. As her illness progressed, she lost her curls, but never her fighting spirit..
When she died at age four, her grieving 7 year old sister Kayla wanted to take on a project that would honor Rosie, and help the many children who were patients at Helen Devos Children's hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan.
One of the few things her sister loved about being in the hospital were special bandages that the nurses would allow her to choose whenever she was "poked." Sometimes they'd bring one for her doll as well. These bandages featured cartoon characters, sparkles and other fun designs, and were purchased by the nurses. (Typically hospitals only use the standard brown type unless otherwise donated.)
Kayla determined to try to gather 1,000 boxes of bandages to donate to the hospital within a month. With the help of family, friends, local businesses and the local community, Kayla had exceeded and more than tripled her goal in six weeks. Now the community is continuing to collect to help other hospitals. A few bandage companies also heard about the bandage drive and mailed bandages to Kaylas house. Some of the businesses that had a late start with collections asked to keep the drive going an additional month. Any bandages received that month would start to be distributed to other area hospitals.
The Goal
Our goal is to encourage anyone hearing about this wonderful story to honor someone you love by starting a Bandages for Rosie drive in your community and local hospital. This is a wonderful lesson in philanthropy and giving that is easily accomplished by individuals, schools, organizations... everyone can help.
Bandages can be purchased anywhere from 1.00 to 5..00 a box, with the average bandage at about 2.00 a box. Very special and unique bandages typically range 3.00 to 5.00 a box. (You can donate money towards the purchase of bandaids to your left!)
Bandages are lightweight, easy to store, and extremely economical to purchase, so everyone can be involved in giving.
We would love to hear your comments, and please post your Bandages for Rosie accomplishments here on our website!
By doing so you honor the memory of very special and brave little girl, and sick children everywhere, in a very tangible, and heartfelt way.
