We keep families close because togetherness empowers well-being. You can help.
Care Kits make it easier for families to grab a quick snack, drink, and fun ways to pass time, when heading out the door on the way to the hospital to see their sick child.
The kits below are easy to put together and our guests love them, just follow the four steps below!
- Care Kits are typically assembled offsite. We recommend setting up in a conference room or large area where you can create an assembly line. We ask that you use clear storage bags as this makes it easier for our families to select kits with items that appeal to them.
- You’re welcome to place a card in the bags wishing our families well. Please avoid messages like, “Get well soon,” or “Feel better.” Instead, we love messages such as “You’re a rockstar!”
- Below are a few examples of items to include in the various Care Kits. You can also see items on our Amazon Wish List at https://bit.ly/rmhcdcwishlist. Please do not include expired food or gun-shaped items.
- Once completed, fill out our donation form and drop kits off at either of our House programs any day of the week between 9 AM – 8 PM.
Wellness & Recovery
Wellness & Recovery Kits will be available to provide comfort if a family member is feeling under the weather and while a patient is recovering. We recommend making a children’s and/or adult version and the following items:
- Soft food and liquids without red dye
- Soup
- Microwavable/instant meals
- Jello/pudding
- Tea
- Honey
- Electrolytes
- Hand sanitizer
- Pain reliever
- Lozenges
- Lip balm
- Blanket
- Backrests or other supportive pillows
- Bed-bound activities
- Sanitary pads (overnight XL with wings)
- Reusable hot/cold gel pack
Relaxation
Relaxation Kits will encourage self-care, stress reduction, and better mental health through a difficult time. We recommend making a children’s and/or adult version. Recommended items:
- Magazines
- Journals
- Daily affirmations
- Pens
- Tea
- Honey
- Blanket
- Reusable water bottle
- Zen garden or other sensory aid
- Puzzles
- Word search
- Coloring books and crayons
- Shower steamers
- Lotion
- Stress ball
- Healthy snacks
Family Fun
Family Fun Kits can be themed to match the season or family fun moments.
Examples:
A Movie Night Care Kit could include:
- Microwavable popcorn
- Flavored water or juice
- Snacks
- Popcorn/snack holders
- a children’s movie (DVD)
A Winter Care Kit might have:
- A mug
- Hot chocolate mix
- Candy canes or cookies
- Playig cards
- Crafts
- A scarf
- Gloves
- Hand warmers
Meal/Snack
Our families spend long hours in the hospital for days and weeks. The expense of vending machine or cafeteria food can become too much when they’re already facing medical bills and time away from work. Meal/snack bags provide much-needed nourishment so our families can have the energy they need to remain strong for their hospitalized child.
- Oatmeal/cereal packs
- Mac n Cheese/noodle cups
- Soup cups
- Tuna/Chicken salad kit
- Granola/protein bars
- Chips/crackers/cookies
- Applesauce/fruit cups
- Mini water bottle/juice/milk box
*Gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options are always appreciated!
Toiletry
Since our families often come to us in an emergency situation, sometimes they haven’t had the chance to pack basic toiletries and care items. We recommend the following items:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mini mouthwash
- Mini shampoo/conditioner bottles
- Mini deodorant
- Body soap
- Body lotion/oil
- Women’s sanitary items
- Lip balm
- Shower caps
- Sunscreen
- Shower bombs
- Face masks
- Pain relievers
Activity
We like to offer activity bags for a range of ages, since these will often go with parents, patients, and siblings when they spend long days at the hospital. For those we recommend:
- Bubbles
- Coloring books
- Crayons/colored pencils
- Puzzles
- Meditation exercises
- Nail polish
- Activity/Sudoku books
- Journals
- Books for all ages
- Magazines
- Small toys
- Crafts
- Games
- Playing cards