Halloween Bucket project - year TWELVE

Twelve years—let’s do this! This year has looked a little different (and a lot busier!) as we welcomed our twins just a few short weeks ago. After spending over a month in the NICU ourselves, I’ve realized more than ever how important this project is. What started as a way to honor Kailee’s memory has grown into something that impacts so many kids and families, and now having walked the NICU journey personally, the meaning feels even deeper.

That’s why this year I’m even more determined to make it happen. While life is beautifully chaotic right now, I know firsthand how much a simple bucket of treats, toys, and goodies can brighten an otherwise heavy day for kids and their families. Whether it’s a patient in the unit, a sibling missing time with their parents, or a parent looking for a small spark of joy for their child - this project makes a difference. I feel like I’d maybe forgotten this a little bit over the past 13 years.

So if you are new here, welcome! Below is the original story, the reason why I keep begging you for money every fall, and where that all goes. Any little bit helps, I'm so grateful for all the support!

Thirteen years ago, I spent Halloween at Strong Memorial Hospital with my best friend, Kailee. Little did we know, it was the last one that we would spend together. Halloween always had a special connection for us. One year we even made a costume as a two-headed monster and got SO mad at each other, I can't even remember why. Years later, our parents told us they were walking behind us, laughing at the site of 2 girls in one costume not talking to each other, and we still laughed about it whenever we talked about it. So anyways, during Halloween at Strong, where Kailee was beginning her battle with cancer, Beau (my now husband) had brought up a giant bucket of candy, and we ate lots of junk food and watched movies all weekend. So rather than sit around in a sad funk, 12 years ago I decided to bring that bit of joy up to the hospital for kids in the same department as Kailee.

THEN, seven years ago, my cousin had a son who spent four months in the NICU, while also having a 2 1/2-year-old at home. This year I realized even more so how much of a dang superhero my cousin is. I barely held myself together without a toddler at home. I know there were days that Lena (the two-and-a-half-year-old at the time) didn't understand why mommy & daddy weren't home, and she missed them and the family time she was used to. It was hard on her, so I thought we might be able to squeeze more buckets into the final count so that we could give them to the siblings of the NICU. Not only is it hard on the parents, but it's also hard on the siblings who are expecting to have a baby come home with mommy & daddy. This may be the little spark that can make their day too. It's been amazing to watch this project take off like crazy and have people reach out with such wonderful words of encouragement and support.

And now this year, as Beau and I welcomed our own twins through Oishei’s NICU, it’s my hope that we can raise enough to donate some buckets there as well. Having lived that journey ourselves, I know firsthand what a small moment of joy can mean in the middle of such a hard season.

So again, this year, we'll be working to collect candy, toys, goodies, and monetary donations. If you'd rather donate cash or check, let me know, and I can send you my address, or I can meet you somewhere to pick it up! We will be stuffing buckets with the help of volunteers again this year, so if you'd like to help stuff, please let me know, and I'll keep you updated!

Thank you so much for your support these past twelve years. I would not be able to do this without the support of family, friends, and strangers alike. Please continue to share the story!