New Update!

Some items have been filled, so please focus on the lower ones.

We purchased 200 tote bags. So don't worry about finding something to put it in. This way we know it will all fit and look professional for PCMC to hand out.

As of right now, eye drops, journals, and blankets would be greatly appreciated. Someone gave us eye drops, and I promise after all the crying that takes place they really helped. My friend who works at PCMC gave me a journal, and it really is something I'm grateful for today. And blankets, we were always freezing, and the nurses aren't allowed to leave their patient. Therefore, it was a struggle to always find a blanket.

We appreciate all of you so much who have donated! Thank you for your PayPal donations. To see donations come in from all over the country (today as far away as Hawaii and Connecticut) is truly amazing and very humbling.

Grand Total

Trail Mix - 224 (112 Bags)
Goldfish - FILLED
Fruit Leather - 302 (50 Bags)
Camera - 23
Socks - 73 (36 Bags)
Playing Cards - 102
Ponytails - 154 (77 Bags)
Lotion - 57
Pens - 55 (18 Bags)
Journals - 14
Granola Bar Boxes - 91
Chapstick - 121
Eye Drops - 17
Toothbrushes - 400 FILLED
Toothpaste - 400 FILLED
Gum/ Mints - 400 FILLED
Blankets - 190

Entire Basket - 17 already donated.

Thank You

We've seen some very generous amounts donated through PayPal. Thank you very much.

We really appreciate all the donations we have received. It really means the world to us to be able to do this for Preslee's Birthday. Thank you to everyone who has helped us in anyway.

Update

We finally got a little organized and here are the numbers of what we have.

We've had so many e-mails and comments asking questions, or telling us they can't wait to help. If you know what you are going to donate please pledge it at cnbeckstrand@gmail.com We've decided if all the information goes to one place it will be much easier to keep an updated total.

Trail Mix- 2
Goldfish- 1 (400 Pledged)
Fruit Leather- 6 = One bag
Camera- 20
Socks- 5 pairs
Playing Cards- 50
Ponytails- 60 = 30 bag
Lotion- 2 (20 Pledged) GRAND TOTAL 22
Pens- 22 = 11 bag
Journals- 5
Granola Bars- 20 boxes
Chapstick- 101
Eye Drops- 2
Toothbrushes 14 = 7 bag
Toothpaste- 12 = 6 bag
Gum/Mints- 9 (224 Pledged GRAND TOTAL 233
Blankets- 8 (32 Pledged) GRAND TOTAL 40

13 full baskets pledged by different families. :)

Thank you to those who have donated items or through PayPal.

We had a big rush right after we posted what we needed, but it definitely has slowed down. We have a lot to do in a month and a half if we want to reach our goal of 200!

We still ask if you live close enough to drop the items off at Chelsea's house by December 10th. That gives us a week to sort and count the items and go shopping for what we lack.

If you can't get it to us by the 10th, and are bringing it on the 17th, please send an email to cnbeckstrand@gmail.com and tell us the exact amount of your donation.

We thank you so much. It's incredible to see so many giving people! We definitely couldn't do this without all of you. I just can't wait to help so many families in need!

The Gift of Giving

We've been amazed and taken back of how many out there are helping with the Pay It Forward cause. Every night Ashley gets a text or phone call from me saying, "We got another package!" or "A family just stopped by and donated some items from the list" or "We just got a letter with some money in it going toward Pay It Forward."

As this week has past, I have gotten a package at my house almost every day and have been ecstatic about it, thinking of how many families we're going to be able to help. But as tonight came, a family stopped by to drop off some items. The mother explained that she did not know the Sullenger family nor did she know me or my family, but wanted to help. After she left I couldn't help but feel a different way this time. I saw the look in her eyes as well as the kids she brought with her. I saw the willingness and was completely floored, I even got a little emotional. Instead of thinking about the families we are going to be able to help, I was able to see the flip side in how willing families are being in giving to complete strangers.

When Ashley and I started talking about this idea we never thought we would come this far in all the donations we have received and word of receiving. We are both so thankful towards all of you in helping with Pay It Forward. Thank you, thank you so much in making this a success already!

Many are asking what we need most out of all the items (things we aren't getting much of). As of right now with the items that Ashley has received as well as me, the food items and socks are the lowest in number.

Donate

The PayPal account is up and running! Feel free to donate. All proceeds will be used to buy tote bags and what isn't donated. Thank you.

Update

We have been amazed and overwhelmed with the amazing support we have received! It has been incredible to watch. Due to the mass amount of emails, we quickly realized we'll reach the goal of 44 baskets quite easily. So after a lot of discussion, we've decided to aim for another goal... 200! Yes it sounds crazy, but we really think we can do it. If you were planning on donating something for all 44 baskets, don't feel pressure to donate 200. We appreciate any amount you are willing to give.

Chelsea and I sat down together and here are some things we discussed.

*All donations or packages can be sent to
Chelsea Beckstrand
1198 Pleasant View
Rexburg, ID 83440

PICU stands for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit :) We are working with Primary Children's Medical Center.

Thank you for giving advice on what items you feel might be helpful to add to the bags. There' s no doubt it would have been nice to add all of it. What we have posted is what PCMC approved. We have to stick to that list :)

We have to get organized! So we ask you to either comment or send an e-mail stating what you are willing to donate. That way we will be able to communicate the items we are in need of. It would help so much!

If you are shipping a package or live in or around the area, we ask for all donations to arrive at Chelsea's house by December 10, 2010. Earlier is better than later. This way we can get organized and buy the items we are lacking. We will be compiling the tote bags on the 17th, there's no way we can meet up afterwards to get items, we will be dispersing the bags to be delivered. We realize many people are willing to help deli ever the bags with us but unfortunately the PICU is only allowing us to drop these off because of strict policy on the number of people who can visit the PICU.

We are placing the items in large tote bags, with the saying "I can do hard things" on front.

Many have asked if it's okay to share the Pay It Forward post, go right ahead :)

Thank you, thank you so much for the e-mails! All of your support and personal letters mean the world to us, but with a hectic school schedule I'm struggling to find time to answer all of you immediately. To help us out a few family members have offered to help, so you could possibly hear from one of them. I hope that is okay! Just know we appreciate each and everyone of you! I know this is going to be a Huge success!

Pay It Forward

We are over joyed with the suport we're recieving for Pay It Forward and amazed to see how many left comments/emails.

We heard back from PCMC and they are ecstatic about the project and know it will help so many families! Really the only "rule" they are asking is that all things be wrapped/sealed. Keep this in mind with food items. Be sure to get items in a personal size.

Here is the list for one basket/tote. We learned there are actually 44 rooms, so multiply this list by 44 and we'll have what we need :)

1 Box of Granola Bars
2 Trail Mix (Personal Size)
2 Goldfish (Personal Size)
6 Fruit Leather (At Costco you can get a box with 48 individual leathers for under $10)
Breathmints/Gum
Small Eye Drops (Visine)
3 Pens & Journal
Fleece Blaket for the parents (47" x 57" OR 42" x 52"- Try and go for the bigger one :) )
2 Pairs of Socks (preferably with grips on the bottom)
2 Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Chapstick
Small lotion (non-scented if possible)
Playing Cards
Disposable Camera

* With all the comments/emails the Sullenger's and Dave and I are recieving, we are coming pretty close to having all the fleece blankets accounted for, so it would be wonderful if you could focus on other items. However if you have your heart set on making a blanket or have already started making it (bought items), we will always welcome it and be sure to use them!

We're in the process of setting up a Paypal account, we're hoping to have it up and running in the next few days.

All donations or packages can be sent to:
(Chelsea Beckstrand)
1198 Pleasant View
Rexburg, ID 83440

Remember the list is only one basket. Whether you feel you can donate a box of fruit leather, chapstick, or your time by helping us in any way, it will all be greatly appreciated.

As of right now, we'll be compiling the baskets Friday December 17, 2010 at Madison Middle School in Rexburg, Idaho. We haven't designated a time yet, but we hope to soon. Madison Middle school has been kind enough to jump at the offer and we felt it was a great way to let students serve. A big thanks to MMS!

Any questions? Leave a comment or email me or Ashely at cnbeckstrand@gmail.com ash_sidd@hotmail.com

Again thank you for the support. Our goal for this project is to lessen the burden on the families who go into PCMC PICU and because of the help from everyone we're going to be able to acheive it.

Love,
The Becktrand's & Sullenger's