The Harper Project Info

The Harper Project has a new home. Click here to be redirected. I will continue to keep this page updated with information for the time being. 

When we were at the hospital delivering Harper we received a memory box. Inside were some books about grief and babyloss and other keepsake items. I remember when we were leaving the hospital I didn't get to carry my baby in my arms, she was left behind to be picked up by the funeral home, but I carried this box. No one should every have to leave the hospital without their baby, but it was comforting to know that the hospital had boxes like these for this situation. 

Some of the items found in our memory box. 

I didn't really think about where the box came from until I was reading other blogs from women who had experienced stillbirth and it was a common theme for them to make these memory boxes to donate to hospitals after having received one themselves. Since Harper's death I've wanted to do something to help other families that are going through loss, but I wasn't sure what to do.

Until now.  

The Harper Project; Memory boxes
The goal of this project is to create memory boxes that I can donate to Mercy Hospital, the hospital where I delivered Harper. I would like to make this an annual event that culminates in the donation being made to the hospital on Harper's birthday every year, July 10th. This year I am donating enough supplies to make 5 boxes, but with your help I am hoping I can make more. 

How you can help
You can make monetary donations at my gofundme.com site or you can donate items that will be placed inside the boxes. 
There are a number of ways this can be done. 
1.) The easiest, hassle free way. You can purchase or *make the items and I can pick them up from you.
2.) You can purchase items off of The Harper Project amazon.com wish list and have them shipped directly to me. The items listed on the wish list are just ideas, feel free to buy other items similar to the ones listed, and feel free to purchase items from other retailers.
3.) I am going to try to contact some businesses in the Elk River & Twin Cities area that can be designated "Drop off" sites for donations. 
     *** The owners of Chanticlear Pizza in Elk River have graciously offered to make their
            store a Drop Off site for donations. They open Monday thru Saturday at 4pm and
            Sunday at 11am. Address: 19328 HWY 169, Elk River, MN 55330
     *** Plymouth Station Holiday has agreed to become another Drop Off site for
            donations. They are open Monday thru Friday 6am - 11pm and Saturday & Sunday
            7am - 11pm. Address: 16825 County Rd. 24, Plymouth, MN 55447
4.) If you would like to donate an item that is not on the list please contact me, I may have missed something that would be a welcome addition to the memory boxes. The items listed are things that we received in our memory box or that the staff at Mercy Hospital recommended. 
You can also donate your time with helping to decorate and fill the boxes or by picking up donations. 
*Handmade items are encouraged. 

Items needed for memory boxes (Please only new/unused items)
Paper mache boxes/cardboard craft shoe box (12x7x4 or larger with lids)
Votive candle holders
Votive candles
Flower seed packets (Forget me nots are a great idea)
Small journals
Small stuffed animals
Bracelets with charm (angel wings, babyfeet, etc.)
Small picture frames (no larger than 4x6)
Small keepsake items such as angel figurines, pendants, etc. (Etsy is a great resource.)
Small handmade blankets
Knit layettes or preemie size gowns
Headbands for baby girls
Tea 
Blank cards the staff can send to families on anniversaries

Earth Mama Angel Baby is a company that offers products specifically for babyloss. Any of those   items would be welcome additions to the memory boxes

The approximate base cost for each memory box is $30, this includes the box, seeds, journal, small keepsake, small stuffed animal, 4x6 picture frame, and votive candle & holder. Handmade items such as blankets, bracelets, etc. would then be added if they are received. 

Just keep in mind when making or purchasing items that they will be given to families who are experiencing the most devastating loss they will ever have to endure. So for example, a picture frame that is designed for a newborn baby may not be the best option. A simple, plain frame might be a better choice.

The Harper Project; Mommy Care Kits
When I called and talked to the nurse in charge of the babyloss program at Mercy another thing she said they are looking for is toiletry items for moms. 
I remember when we had to go to the hospital to deliver Harper, I hadn't packed my bags yet and I don't even remember packing during the devastation of losing our baby. My lists of what to bring to the hospital didn't apply anymore and in the chaos I didn't pack any toiletry items for myself. So I had to use the hospital grade stuff they had there. I would have been nice to have a regular lotion or shampoo/conditioner to use. So, I'd also like to put together Mommy Care Kits to donate. Again, I am donating enough supplies for 5 Mommy Care Kits, but hoping I can get enough items for more. 

Contents of a Mommy Care Kit that I put together. 

Mommy Care Kit items needed (Items for the Care Kits should be small or travel sizes)
Organza bags
Shampoo
Conditioner
Comb/Brush
Shower gel
Bar soap
Lotion (Lavender or other soothing scent)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Face wash
Chapstick or Lip Balm
Facial tissue

 *** The last day to make donations for this year will be April 30th 2014. *** 
That will give me time to get everything put together. Once dates are set for decorating boxes & putting boxes and kits together I will post them here and on Fb for those that wish to volunteer. I will also post updates on things that we are in need of as item donations start to come in.  

Please contact me at stellalynndesigns@gmail.com with any feedback, questions, ideas, anything. This is my first time undertaking a project like this but I hope it turns out well and that it will continue on successfully for many years.

My hope is to find something good that can come out of something so terrible. 
-Sara

***I am breaking my Facebook fast just so that I can post this to my wall, but that is it. So comments and questions need to be directed to this blog or to my gmail account.