10.16.09 - A final Thank You!!!

As we put the efforts of Dylan's Gifts to rest until next year, we would like to take a moment to say "Thank You!!!" to everyone who helped make a delivery of over 1000 gifts possible this year!!! It is with the love and compassion and support of so many people that makes Dylan's Gifts so successful!!! THANK YOU!!!

Once again, we pause in awe and are reminded of where things all began...

A little dream was made known by a 6-year-old girl...
A little dream to help kids feel more at home when they are in the Hospital...
A little dream to give people a special way to remember (and honor) her brother.

We remain grateful for these girls who remind us each and every day of the good that can come out of tragedy.

10.16.09 - Giving out the 1st Dylan's Gift of 2009

This year, the girls were able to give a gift to a little boy (pictured with his father) who was finishing up at Hope when we arrived. While we are unable to share the details of this young patient's illness, we would like to share that he has a very long road ahead of him. We feel honored to have met him and will continue hold a special place in our hearts for this boy and his family.
(Someone wanted to make sure that I caught a picture of the fact that she was holding the gift this year. And the other someone wants it to be noted that she just knew that they would get to give a gift to a boy this year!) :)

10.16.09 - Dylan's Gifts 2009 Delivery Day

On a gloomy, drizzling fall day, Dylan's Gifts of 2009 were delivered at Hope Children's Hospital (and the Ronald McDonald House).

10.15.09 - All boxed up and ready to GO!

Since we are often asked about what Dylan's Gifts delivers to Hope Children's Hospital, we thought it would be nice to share the many filled boxes...

The box on the left is full of small activity books, journals and the likes. The box on the right is full of Match Box cars.

A box of crayon boxes, another box stuffed with coloring books and 6 boxes of books...

The box on the left contains little activities and toys, the box on the right is full of various puzzles and the box behind them is filled with arts and crafts supplies. Also shown here is a larger toy that is perfect for littler ones.

With this year's delivery being so close to Halloween, we were able to fill a box of just Halloween items!

A box of active play toys and things for pretend play.

Some of our bigger boxes... loaded and HEAVY!
Games, games and more games!
Stuffed animals and puppets!
We are happy to report that for two years in a row, our largest box has been filled with toys for little ones (3 years old and younger).
A box filled with toys that are great for the boys!
And a box with things that would be perfect for girls!
Magic kits and boxes of sticker sets!
This picture will be a special reminder to us of Hannah's constant compassion. She went to great lengths to make sure that we ordered this book from her book orders for some special boy or girl.

10.11.09 - The Final Packing

As we prepared for the delivery of Dylan's Gifts on October 16th (delayed a bit this year because of various schedule conflicts), each and every gift received a blue butterfly sticker. The stickers are something that we make, using a rubber stamp that has been shared in special ways with others ever since Dylan's passing (on special cards, etc.). The best thing about this process is that it also gives us an easy way for counting all the gifts.

It is an amazing thing to see how excited these girls are to part with all the toys and books that are a part of Dylan's Gifts, but before they leave our home, Christmas lists are started. This year, both girls were able to write their own lists (which was a lot of fun to watch!).

10.08.09 - A day of big sorting

In an effort to see what we have to take over to the Hospital, the huge task of sorting is underway!

Starting to clear off some spaces of the table...

9.30.09 - Thank you Sprinkler Fitters!!!

On September 26th, the Sprinkler Fitters Local Union No. 281 held their annual Open House. For the 2nd year in a row, the members were asked to support Dylan's Gifts by bringing a new toy or book to the event. Once again, we were overwhelmed by the generosity of this great Union and its members. Thank you for your support!

Just some of the boxes that came in. (We forgot to take pictures when the full boxes came into our house.)



Sorting has begun...

And a few more bigger deliveries were made to our house. (Notice the basket full of toys and the large bags on the couch.)

9.21.09 - And the books and toys still keep coming in...

With the dining room table full and over flowing, we have moved to putting things on a coffee table in the front room and on the floors.

9.18.09 - "Who you'd be today?"

(* I thought it might be nice to take a moment to share a more personal moment for us...)

On September 18th, we like to honor the anniversary of Dylan's passing by releasing balloons.

On this day that is so special to our family, it seems like the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on our thoughts of Dylan and wonder like in the words of the song, "Who you'd be today?" We are grateful to have such wonderful reminders of Dylan; these three girls each share characteristics with their brother, both inside and out, that give us glimpses of who our little boy might have been today.