Ayla's Stocking: Round Two!

As October has come to a close and Christmas approaching I have been starting to think about the project that just one year ago I introduced. For those who are new to my blog and Ayla's story; two years ago I had a sweet baby girl who got extremely ill during Christmas break and later passed away (you can read her story here). We spent three weeks in the hospital and hospice surrounded by families that may never have a normal Christmas with their children. It was so heartbreaking to witness and as Christmas approached last year I wanted to give back and let the parents know that they are not alone. It is such a devastating road, and one I would never wish on anyone.

A year ago I introduced a project I called Ayla's Stocking. The idea is to collect toys and little stocking stuffers not only help lift the spirits of the children, but to help relieve the stress that comes with Christmas for the parents. Last year we collected over $1000 in toys and at least that in gift cards. I am still in awe at the support we received and I am hoping that this year goes just as well.

 I expected Ayla's Stocking to be small and thought only my closest family and friends would participate, what I got however was far more then I could ever have imagined! Not only did you humble me with your generosity, but you gave so much love and hope to the families that truly needed it. I cannot believe how well it went last year and now that Christmas is coming up again I would be honored if you all participated yet again.

A couple weeks ago I got a phone call from my Aunt Janice, she told me that every year her workplace brings donations for a charity to their Christmas party. This year she surprised me by saying that she talked to her manager and they agreed to donate to Ayla's Stocking! I am so thankful that Aunt Janice thought of my project and am so excited to see how it will turn out. It is continuing to grow and I love it! And I know that Ayla is just as happy to see it expand :)

This year will be similar to last year, I will be collecting items until December 18th and driving up to Calgary to deliver them to the Flames Rotary House on either the 19th or 20th. From there the staff will distribute the gifts as they see fit. Last year I got to hand-deliver a couple and the joy on the children's faces were such a sight to see. If you want to donate you can either drop the gifts off directly or mail them to my parents house.

So here's a quick reminder of things you can give:

- Infant rattles, rings, teether type toys

- Gift cards that can be given to families (Toys R Us, Walmart, Tim Horton's...)

- Pyjamas of varying sizes

- Craft kits (with supplies all enclosed) or small boxes of pencil crayons, crayons, markers, etc.

- Musical toys (anything that plays sounds or music, push button toys...)

- Slippers (children and adults)

- One-size fits all stretchy gloves

- Toques and winter hats

- Books (mostly infant and teen books)

 

These are just some ideas, if you have ones of your own then by all means go for it.

I know that it has been almost two years but I remember everything about those three weeks with absolute clarity. I can even tell you the outfits I wore from day to day :P. But more then that I remember how much everyone banded together to keep my family and I going when we all felt like we had nothing more to give. You kept me from shutting down completely and I know that if it had not been for all the little things each individual did, whether it was visiting us, stopping by to give my mom and I a massage, a gift basket, a box of sushi, providing meals to my brothers who were left at home alone for the first day, for the many meals that came after, and even the simple things like uplifting texts and a prayer offered in our behalf, we would not been able to endure those weeks as well as we did. I wish you could understand the impact you have had on my life, and I know that the families that are in similar circumstances feel the same way.

Even if you don't donate to Ayla's Stocking I would encourage you to serve someone around you and keep the true spirit of the holidays in your heart.

 

Because that is what Christmas is truly about.

 

 

 

As a side note; if you want to know more about Ayla's Stocking and the success we had last year I have added a tab at the top of the page with all the posts I have written regarding it. I will continue to update it with any new posts and news as time goes on.