Zaenah’s Blanket Foundation, Inc. is a 501(3)(c) not for profit organization founded in the memory of my daughter, Zaenah Mitchell, a beautiful vibrant 2-year-old whose star was dimmed 20 years ago. During my pregnancy with Zaenah, I had always planned to make her a keepsake quilt from bits and pieces of her clothing and blankets to have when she grew up, but sadly this never came to pass.
After many years of brainstorming and the subsequent memory of the young woman who shared my patient room in the hospital and had nothing for her baby, the idea of Zaenah’s keepsake quilt manifested into Zaenah’s Blanket Foundation, Inc.
The purpose of the foundation is to collect and distribute baby blankets and clothing to those in need, so families of these newborns have something to bring their babies home in from the hospital.
Though blankets and quilts are the primary focus, Zaenah’s Blanket Foundation, Inc. accepts all things baby; clothing, books, strollers, cribs, bedding, car seats, and more. These items are distributed monthly and we are totally donation driven.
The 1st distribution took place on the Foundation’s debut, Wednesday, December 30, 2009, on what would have been Zaenah’s Sweet 16th birthday. What better way to celebrate than to give gifts in her memory to those born that day. We distributed 16 gift bags filled with blankets and clothing.
Currently, each gift bag distributed to the nurseries contains a receiving blanket, an outer blanket and starter clothing; undershirts, sleepers, gowns and/or an outfit, we also add a story book which fosters the importance of reading to children even at infancy.
Each gift bag distributed to the Early Intervention program contains clothing, books and educational toys when available.
The foundation has also gifted tubs, potties, Boppy pillows, bedding, strollers and car seats.
Through this initial act, the foundation has been well received and we now service 1 family shelter, 2 CBOs, 5 hospitals throughout the Bronx and Manhattan including an Early Intervention program which services children ages 0 to 5 years old and we continue to grow.
Through Zaenah’s Initiative, we are also committed to educating caregivers in Infant/Child CPR. No child or family should suffer a tragedy due to lack of education.
Once funding is obtained, the full scope of Zaenah’s Blanket Foundation, Inc.; in addition to the current services rendered, i.e.; Blanket Deliveries to hospitals, being a referral service that provides baby essentials to families in need, Community Baby Showers, Holiday Giveaways and our Zaenah’s Initiative program (Infant/Child CPR), Zaenah’s Blanket Foundation will expand to their full service offerings of Doula Services, Grievance Counseling & Parenting Classes.
Thank you to all those who are able to give; past, present & future. Hugs, kisses and good wishes from Zaenah’s Blanket Foundation, Inc.
If you would like to learn how to get involved or donate to Zaenah’s Blanket Foundation, Inc., click here.
