The holidays are here, and with them so many ways to help:

As we are now approaching a new set of Holidays without Peyton, we have decided to take up a collection in her honor to benefit the critically ill infants and their families at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, the hospital where Peyton spent her entire life.

During our time with Peyton, both in the NICU, and on the oncology floor, we were the recipients of many random acts of kindness. These acts made a very difficult situation bearable, and made it possible for us to be at our child's side day after day. It is for these reasons that we would like to pay the kindness forward with this collection. Every gesture, no matter how grand or small, makes a big difference in the life of a family with a critically ill baby.

ITEMS:

If you would like to donate items, (new and/or unused), the following are those which would be of the greatest help...

* Pacifiers

* Teethers

* Soft blocks

* Baby Einstein toys

* Rattles

* Bottles

* Bibs

* Crib/bed mobiles

* Ocean Wonders Crib Aquarium or any with soothing sounds

* Fitted crib sheets

* CDs of lullabies and classical music

* Board books (English & Spanish)

* New infant clothes for boys and girls

* Diapers

The children currently being treated in the NICU will put these items to great use. If you have items that are not necessarily brand new, but just like new, and clean, they too would be appreciated. Please remember that because these children are compromised, it is crucial that the items are clean. We are sorry but we will not be able to accept any used stuffed animals as they cannot be properly sterilized.

Homemade (knitted/quilts/fleece etc) blankets and hats are welcome too, as long as they have been washed and placed into a ziploc type sealed bag.

Knit hats of any size are also greatly appreciated as the smaller ones can be used on babies in the NICU, and those of other sizes can be used by children undergoing chemotherapy. The zanier the hat design... the better. These kids love style! :)

Please mail any items to be donated to:

Peyton's Pals

Attn: Doing Good In Her Name

P.O. Box 1281

Burlington CT, 06013

GIFT CARDS:

 Every gift card donated, will be distributed to the parents/family of a critically ill infant being treated at CCMC. Gift Cards in any amount are greatly appreciated from the following establishments.

*Dunkin Donuts
*Friendly's
*J Restaurant & Bar (located directly across from the hospital. Gift cards can be ordered online here.)
*Gas Cards (Sunoco, Shell, Valero, Getty, Gulf, Mobil)

These can be mailed to:

Peyton's Pals

Attn: Doing Good In Her Name

P.O. Box 1281

Burlington CT, 06013

DONATIONS:

Tax Deductible cash donations can also be made. These donations will be used to provide the families of critically ill infants with parking passes and food vouchers that can be used in the hospital cafeteria. Parking at the hospital can grow quite costly, and we know from personal experience what a great help these vouchers offer in helping to alleviate some of the financial burden that families with very sick babies are under.

Many times, it is very difficult for the parents and family of critically ill infants to get away for a meal. Your donations will also go to providing vouchers for the cafeteria, making the prospect of grabbing a quick bite much easier for NICU families.

If you would like to make a monetary donation,
please make your checks payable to

The Connecticut Children's Medical Center Foundation.

Please reference "Doing Good In Her Name" in the memo line.

Monetary donations can be mailed to:

Peyton's Pals

Attn: Doing Good In Her Name

P.O. Box 1281

Burlington CT, 06013

Any contribution to this collection effort,
large or small,
 will have a huge impact on
 these little warriors and their families.

Thank you in advance for your help,
 and God Bless!

Questions can be left here in the comments form, or emailed to doinggoodinhername@gmail.com