So when I first shared here about Chickadee’s toiletries being pilfered by her fellow patients, many of you responded with a righteous indignation that brought a little tear to my wounded mama-bear’s eye. Several of you commented or emailed saying “Let us send stuff to them. We want to help.”
And I was touched by your generosity, so I went and mentioned it the person who I assumed was the correct contact at the hospital, and the response was… lukewarm. “It’s not really about the stuff,” was what kept being said. “This is more a matter of boundaries and appropriate behavior.” And yes, it is, but still. Some of these kids arrive at the hospital literally with nothing.
So I kind of tucked my tail between my legs and let it go, but it kept niggling at me. Really, they were going to turn down FREE STUFF for the patients? Really REALLY? And was I going to just let this go instead of doing something? I took a page out of my kids’ playbook and went for broke: I went and asked someone else, pretending I hadn’t already asked and been turned down. And I chose more carefully, this time. And her answer was, “Oh my HECK YES!”
If you want to help, here’s how:
[Wait. Let’s put a sidebar here. You don’t need to do a damn thing, you know. I have no expectations, this is not a hard sell, I will not think badly of you if this is not your bag. Seriously. People have asked to help and I feel like hooking those folks up with the girls who need help is the least I can do, and it’s a welcome distraction from the immediate concerns surrounding my own personal girl (who happens not to be in need of hygiene items). If you want to help, that’s awesome. If you don’t, that’s perfectly fine. Also, I thought long and hard about just giving out the hospital information and ultimately I was not comfortable with that, so instead I went out today and got a mailbox at UPS. If you feel uncomfortable sending shampoo to me to take to the hospital—maybe this is my nefarious plan to build a stockpile of soap!—I get that, but I am uncomfortable handing out the location of my child on the ‘net. If I know you personally and you would rather send something directly to the hospital, email me and I’ll get you the deets.]
The hospital hands out industrial hygiene items to the girls who need them.
Things they don’t stock at all that the girls want:
Stridex (and other similar acne-control face wipes) (here’s a 3-pack of alcohol-free ones at Amazon)
Tampons (!!!!) (here’s a Playtex coupon deal and a Tampax Pearl coupon deal, both at Amazon)
Maxi-pads smaller than breadboxes (so says my kid) (here’s a coupon deal on Always Infinity at Amazon)
Things they stock in crappy versions that the girls would like in versions that smell nice:
Antiperspirant
Shampoo/conditioner (2-in-1s especially welcome)
Black hair care products
Body wash
Body lotion (here’s some $5 Curel at Amazon)
Face moisturizer
Lip balm/chapstick (here’s 24 lip balms for less than a buck apiece delivered, from Amazon)
What they cannot take:
Makeup
Perfume
Bubble bath
Anything with alcohol in it (no mouthwash, and some facial wipes)
Aerosols (no hair spray or mousse)
Anything in a metal or glass container
Now. Quite a few of you have asked about sending stuff to Chickie as well, and I will reiterate that her needs are being met. She doesn’t need any “stuff.” Please, if you’re inclined to do something for her, send something for the other girls, instead. That said, if you would like to send a note of encouragement or whatever to her, you are nice and just label it as such and I will pass it along.
I opted for a box at a UPS Store because they can accept non-postal deliveries, which makes it ideal for anyone who, say, just wants to ship something from Amazon because they have Prime and that’s easy. (Why, look. In under 5 minutes I found this 6-pack of Suave body wash for under $12 shipped if you buy via Subscribe & Save. Plenty of other scents at that same price point lower on the page, too. Here’s a 12-pack of Suave deodorant for about $2/apiece shipped. Easy-peasy.)
We’re at the hospital 2-3 times a week, and whatever you send will go with us and go to the patient advocate’s office. She will distribute the items as needed to the girls on Chickadee’s unit and the other girls’ unit. (I am not trying to discriminate against the boys, but they don’t seem to really care that the hospital soap is gross.) You can ship it to me at:
Mir Kamin
1860 Barnett Shoals Road
Suite 103-464
Athens, GA 30605
Thank you for talking me into this. Sometimes when it feels like you can’t do anything, you sort of can. Even if that thing is just making sure that for a little while, no one who’s already in the sucky situation of being in the hospital needs to steal tampons.
I love that you are doing this! I’ll be heading to the UPS store tomorrow to get my boxes of stuff mailed!!
YAY! Sending something this week!
I love this idea so very much.
I was just having a conversation with someone this morning about how frustrated we are with some things, and I remembered that one way to work through a situation where I feel like I’m butting my head against a wall is to stop and ask “What do I have that can be of service to this person or situation?” I will often find answers suddenly where before there was only a wall before.
This is a great example of that. You have great readers.
See, you’re not just an advocate for Chickadee, you’re an advocate for ALL the girls there!
A great Mama Bear for those who don’t seem to have one!
‘Scuze me while I find a Kleenex, damn onions!
Mir,
This is a great plan! It lets the kids know that there are people who care as well as give them items that allows them to feel some basic human dignity.
One question (and I’m pretty sure that the answer is no) is it possible to send things like granola bars? I’m talking unopened boxes of Nature Valley and the like. It’ll give them something besides hospital food, which I remember as being really gross. If the hospital won’t allow it, or you prefer not to deal with it, let me know.
Hey Mir, can I make a donation rather than send something? I was.. well… I’m pretty sure I might have been Chickadee at 16, hospital and cutting, and all.
Now THIS is some excellent lemonade!
I love practical, immediate ways to make a difference. This feels like such a gift because I (and I’m sure bunches of others) have been ACHING to do something – anything to help. So, yay!
Tampons for all!!!!! I love this. Love it! Will be sending something shortly.
done.
thank you for taking care of this. xo
Are OB tampons considered ‘yucky’ to girls Chickies age? I stockpiled a bunch when they had a manufacturing glitch a year ago and ended up switching to the diva cup instead (but I digress, and also TMI). Alas, I have a ton of OBs that I no longer need. I’ll be happy to ship them your way if you feel they would be used.
Dayna, I don’t know if there’s a liability issue with food, but I’d say stay away from that for now. (The good news, though, is that they do buy granola bars and Oreos and stuff for them, so the snacks are the only thing I’ve not heard complaints about.)
Sarah K (and anyone else): The patient advocate told me she typically buys needed supplies at Target and sometimes from Amazon. You are welcome to send gift cards for me to pass along. (Please don’t send cash!) Thanks!!
Mir, this is awesome! I love the sentence “pads smaller than breadboxes” because oh my, yes. When I was a tween I would have appreciated those, as well.
You remain one of the best people on the planet.
done.
I sincerely hope we can fill your car with things multiple times over for these girls so they can know they are valuable and someone cares. What a great thing you are doing for them!
What if I want to send Kotex tampons?
https://wouldashoulda.com/2012/01/09/psa-kotex-security-tampons/
I’m just kidding. You are awesome.
I sent some stuff but I don’t know if Amazon will tell you it’s from me. It is, with my love.
You are amazing – both for helping all the girls AND for giving us something to do besides wring our hands and worry about Chickie. Toiletries for everyone on the way!
This makes me incredibly happy, and points my perspective a little closer to the “your shit pales in comparison to other people’s shit”. When you originally discussed the product pilfering, I was one of the ones who immediately thought, “I’d inundate them with tampons!” because I may be unable to do much, but dammit I can do something. I’m glad to be able to do this something, for the girls, their families, the staff, for Chickie, for you. I can do something. Thank you.
Still sending continue to improve vibes Chickie’s way.
I love this idea…..Thank you for giving us something to do to help out..
Stuff coming your way soon! Hugs to you and your family.
Yay, yay, yay! What a fantabulous way for us to serve these girls! Thanks so much for doing this!
I love me some tampon lemonade!
This is so crazy. But it makes me have tears in my eyes because I love how the universe works – the other day I was at Target, and I got a hunch to buy a $25 gift card. And I had no reason to, but the hunch was very strong – impossible to ignore. Not a voice in my head, but just an overwhelming feeling to BUY IT.
So now it is in the mail to you.
It’s nice that you’ve found a way to bring a small amount of good out of all the suck-age that has befallen Chickie lately. And you spread that good to several girls. Way to go!
Do you want the small travel size bottles as well, or just full-sized? I have a closet full of that stuff that is unopened.
Wonderful plan! Lemonade indeed! (: You’re the best!
I am so happy that you are able to do this… I was in one of these facilities when I was 13, and there is no doubt in my mind that these girls could all use some love – even if that love is expressed in the form of deodorant from strangers. Sure, it’s about boundaries and appropriate behavior, but it is also about love and need.
Toiletries coming via Amazon!
Approximately how many girls are we talking about here?
Sarah, I would be hesitant to give them OB tampons, but if you want to send them I’ll bring them!
Glennia, travel sizes are great, too. Thank you!!
Emily, there are currently a dozen girls on Chickie’s unit and 16 on the other unit, I think, but the number tends to fluctuate. From the looks of it we’re going to have plenty of donations (thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!) so don’t worry about trying to cover everyone. :)
I’m sending something, simply because of the phrase ‘tampon lemonade’…all the other reasons are just extra bonuses.
Stuff headed your way – I love Amazon Prime. Also, added benefit – my husband will see recently searched items including tampons and maxi-pads…
Thank you for allowing us to do this for them. it’s my birthday this week and this is my gift… thank you. :) (and — I was so happy to read your earlier post, with positive thoughts for your daughter!)
I love this! Internet Power!
This is such a nice idea!
I agree with Mom101.
Yay Internet. Yay Mir.
I know that many of us have wanted to do something to help you, oh pretty Mir. So thanks for allowing us to do something.
We love you!
I’ll admit I’m clueless about black hair care products and what’s good and what’s not. But if someone in the know would comment-in about what to buy or what to avoid I’d help buy some.
I adore you for doing this.
Retail therapy that I don’t have to feel guilty about – except for that one moment when a coworker walked in a saw a screen full of tampons. Good thing he didn’t know about the lemonade.
You’re going to need a bigger UPS box. :)
Thanks for letting us know how to help.
P.S. How many kids are there?
Never mind….the answer popped up while I was shopping. (:
Shipping straight from Amazon to your pick up box! Thank you for doing this, Mir.
Mir, more than once I’ve reached out to you for help or advice or perspective or received pearls of wisdom just from reading your words. So happy to be able to do something to help. Delivery on the way.
You and your readers are awesome, Mir!!! Tampon lemonade for all!
You’ll have a box in 2 days :) Gotta love Amazon!
I wish I could have sent more – but bills, I got ’em. Hopefully this small gift will make an impact on these girls. It’s gotta be tough being there and not having visiting family to make it a little easier.
I love this and love you. Way to find the good!
This is awesome and you are awesome for doing it.
since i am a worrier, i have to go “there”. i think it would be a good idea, if at all possible, to keep chickie out of this. i mean, there might actually be negative feedback from the other girls towards her. i am not trying to rain on your tampon parade, (ha ha, tampon parade) but the worry popped into my head and i had to say it.
please don’t let them know she is the reason we are all involved. these are sick kids and they might not see things the way they really are. just a nice bunch of strangers wanting to help them.
to my fellow commenters,
we should also keep in mind that once chickadee is back on her feet, there will still be girls everywhere that need the same types of care and care packages. once i send something to georgia, i think i will check out hospitals in boston too. thank you for opening my eyes mir.
Awesome idea…shipment coming soon!!! You are awesome to want to help with everything you are going through.
Bonuela, good points, both of them. The girls won’t have any idea where the stuff came from, don’t worry. And yes, please, I doubt this hospital is unique. If you would prefer to donate locally that’s equally awesome.
MIR! I’m so happy that other people emailed you about this. I had almost done it so many times. Can we send magazines or crosswords or anything like that, too?
This is a wonderful thing to do and I’ll be sending some things your way!
Christine, I only asked about toiletries, but I know a lot of the kids seem to like those “big book of puzzles” type things with word searches and stuff. I can’t imagine them refusing those. Thank you!
I have to admit, I wish I had been one of those people who, on my own, came up with, “how can I help these other kids?” But sadly, I did not, (one of those many things I need to work on me about.)
I want to say thank you for allowing me, (and others,) an avenue to help. I know we haven’t met IRL (yet). ;-) And I know we are getting a VERY small glimpse into your lives. But what you’ve given us through your writing makes me feel like you’re a good friend who moved away. (That’s not stalkerish AT ALL!) All the trials you’ve had in this recent past, have made me feel so helpless, when I really want to do something to HELP. This gives me something to wrap my arms around & feel like I’m helping. It seems like something I could’ve come up with on my own, but I didn’t. I’m sure there’s a need like this, nearby where I live as well, that’s my next step. But in addition to the hugs, prayers & support we’ve been sending, you’re propping us up as much as we’re trying to do for you. Thanks again. (I’m off to buy some feminine hygine! Woo Hoo!)
Yeah Amazon prime! I’ve already submitted my order.
Yay! Shopping for a good cause and it gives us something we can do to help. When I was inpatient the little things made me so happy, I still look at Grandma’s brand soft cookies and smile because there were many nights when I had those for dinner in lieu of mystery meat and pasty mush. Delivery on the way, should be there by next week at the latest. Toiletries for everyone!
Mir, this is so wonderful! Thank you for doing this. I’ll be sending something soon. Here’s to tampon lemonade!
sorry,
i think i came off as offensive about the local thing. i really just meant that you have opened my eyes to a need i never knew existed. i am always looking for little things to do to help out and now i can add this to my list. also, i follow a band that looks for places that need help in every city on their tour. there isn’t always a shelter or a food bank so i will share the general idea with them too.
i never meant to suggest people shouldn’t send stuff your way and i’m sorry if it sounded that way.
Nooooo, Bonuela, I wasn’t offended and didn’t take it that way at all! Relax! It’s all good. :) I’m in a position to help at this particular hospital but you are right that there’s a need everywhere. Help is help, wherever. No worries.
Do they have to be unopened boxes of tampons and unopened bags of pads? I stocked up and then lo & behold, menopause is upon me.
This is so great, and you should tell the UPS store to be prepared !
xo
So, so glad you followed up with this and asked the right person!! Love (in the form of tampons and yummy-smelling bodywash) coming those girls’ way. :)
Really is an awesome thing you’re doing for these girls! It’s really great that you’re using your voice as a blogger to help in such a cool way. Keep up the good work girl!
Do you think Bonnie Bell Lipsmackers would be okay, or would that be considered make-up? I think they are clear?
Thank you for giving us a way to help (and an idea to help out locally). Where I live (literally just a couple blocks down the road), they are actually building, right now, a treatment center that is ONLY for kids. They will be separated by age, but it’s in a gorgeous area (and they are really landscaping to make it more peaceful). They were taking donations to help get it built (we had no place for kids to be, so they were just stuck in wherever there was a bed, even around adults), but I never thought about asking what they would need AFTER they have the building completed. I was just so excited to see the place being built that my first thought was to just help get it built and somehow assumed everything else would be “taken care of,” but this is an eye-opener for what those children are really going through.
You are, as always, amazingly wonderful, Mir!
Oh, one quick question: if we send a gift card, will they actually buy the “good stuff,” or do you think it would be best to buy some “good stuff” and just send it along?
Thanks for opening our eyes to this need and this was such an easy way to feel a little less helpless. Loving the tampon lemonade!
This is such an excellent idea. You should have a shipment arriving on July 25th.
I AM SO IN
suave body wash 6 pack is on it’s way via amazon!
great idea. i love when you can directly help someone and it might indirectly help chickadee ;)
Gayle: I think Lipsmackers would be fine (they are clear, I think).
Jessica: Gift cards will probably end up being used for things like electric razors (they are not allowed to have regular ones) or clothes for kids in need. Just up to you where you prefer your dollars to go. Thank you!!
so i don’t comment here a lot but i’ve been reading this blog for probably 5 years. and chickie’s situation breaks my heart. i’ve just sent an order to the address you gave us above using amazon.com. please know i’m thinking of you and your family and i hope the facility can put these to good use.
This brings a tear to my eye(s – okay, I’m kind of bawling like a baby) over the generosity of the Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda-ites – count me in. You all are amazing.
12 jars of acne pads on the way! Thanks for thinking of this AND giving us a chance to be a part of it. You have had my prayers but it feels good to do this as well.
Non bread box sized pads, headed your way. I had to call my husband to get his password for his prime account and he said “what are you buying?” and I said “feminine hygiene products for someone on the Internet”. To his credit, he just kind of sighed and said “well…. alright then.”
Thanks for letting us help, Mir. This is good. :-)
Amazon is requiring a phone number before they will accept the address. Does the box place have one?
I ran into the same “meh” attitude when I offered to donate toys to the hospital my son was admitted to this year. Boggles the mind. Great job finding the weak board in the fence!
Never mind. I used Google on the address, and got a phone number. Stuff on the way.
Karen, I just use my phone number for that. They just want a number to contact if there is a problem with the order. Hope that helps!
you rock. will send something shortly!!
OMG lOOK AT YOU GO!!!!! What an awesome idea, what a great plan you have put into action. Mir, you are amazing. I’m going out in search of those big puzzle books tomorrow and will send them your way. Thanks for letting us participate in making someones day a little better.
thanks for setting this up. this is great!
Rock on girl.
Have been wishing I could do something for Chickie and am so selfishly happy that there is a way, even if it only means people leave her stuff alone. My little bit of help is on its way from Amazon. I have two teenage girls and sent what I know they would want most. Hope you get lots of everything, but please let us know if there is a particular product of which you could use more.
BTW, catching up from vacation last week. Hope is a wonderful thing and so is improvement you can see and feel. Hang in there, mama Mir! Daily prayers for you all continue.
Help on the way! Thanks for finding a way for this to happen Mir. Truly – thank you.
Done! So easy. Thank you for giving us a way to help your daughter through her temporary community. Thank you for taking on the carting back and forth of boxes on behalf of those young women. Just thank you. Thinking of you every day.
Lip balm and facial moisturizer coming your way via Amazon from a long-time lurker who struggles with her own mental health ahem challenges!
Hugs and good vibes to Chickadee!!!
I’m going to have to do this next paycheck, so please keep the PO Box open!
LOVE it so much! A quick request, though, if I may. I’m sure you, UPS, and the facility will be inundated with tampons and pads galore. Would you please let use WCS-ites know either here or via FB what has been covered and what the girls still need?
Thanks for all that you do and all that you are!
Mandy—I will update as stuff comes in, don’t worry. Otto is already looking forward to taking pictures. Of tampons. HA.
Ummmm…another question? Would The Body Shop’s lip butters count as makeup? I’m hoping they count as lip balm (especially if I go for the ones that are fruity or the roll-on lip balms).
The lippy balms? I think those would be okay.
You guys are ROCKING MY SOCKS. You have no idea how excited I am about this.
Mir I just wanted to say that I was once in Chickadee’s shoes and am so touched what you are doing to help these other girls.
I spent a year in a long term treatment facility in a dual diagnoses setting. While at the time I hated my parents for putting me there, in time I understood and embraced the help I so definitely needed.
Anyway I remember some of the kids not having much, and rarely if at all having visitors. I was lucky and my mom always sent me the best care packages and I can still tell you exactly what she always sent me to this day.
While it was a long and painful journey I took away memories that made me the person I am today. i can now admit had I not gone there, things would much different.
Also can you believe 25 years later I am still friends with some of my peers from that time! Even in darkness positive things will come of this!
Good luck to you!!
My mother is a firm believer that a crisis should be dealt with through housework. Well my house is sparkling and you are still in crisis. Please don’t tell my Mom she is wrong.
Thank you for giving me something TO DO.
You are amazing. Truly amazing! Makes me think that if there’s a need in Georgia, then there is a need in every state I bet. These kids are working hard to restore their life, self-confidence, self esteem. Who doesn’t feel better about themselves when they feel clean, smell nice, look pretty? God bless you. You have a long road ahead, but you are paving it with much needed toiletries in the meantime. LOL
Mir, I have been a reader (ok, lurker) of your blog for several years. Your blog has provided me with many laughs, smiles, and tears. Thank you for giving me a chance to pay it forward. Package from Amazon is on the way.
I can only wonder when Amazon is going to ask WTF is going on with the sudden tampon sales…
:) happy to be included in this fantastic idea. XO
Yummy smelling body wash is on its way to you as we speak! What a tremendous idea, and I agree with many other commenters that I’m thrilled to feel like I’m doing something to show my support for you and your family during this hard time. I hope Chickadee knows we are all rooting for her. Warm, sunshiny beams of light and love coming at you, baby. :)
I think that is the first time I have ever sent maxipads to anyone:) Always pads on their way via Amazon. Prayers attached!
1) Hope everyone is “Shopping Pretty” through Mir’s affiliate link so that she can earn $0.000000000000000001 per order.
2).Can’t wait to see Otto’s feminine hygiene photos. He’s a genius with the camera. I wonder if he and Monkey will build towers of tampons to photograph.
3). Yes, I’m in my 30s, but I believe everyone needs a good cuddle. What about teddy bears or something soft with no detachable parts or parts that could be used as weapons? (I don’t know – some octopus with really long tentacles, maybe?) AFTER all the girls’ hygiene needs have been met? Let’s keep this Tampon Lemonade (E-)Stand going!
hugs from the Midwest!
I just sent some tampons and pantyliners your way. I’m a long-time reader/seldom commenter and all of the hygiene-product issues definitely hit home. I spent a week in a behavioral health center when I was 10 years old. At the time, I hadn’t started my period but I remember gaping in awe at the sanitary pads the other girls were provided – they still had belt-style contraptions! And this was 1995!
Anyway, thank you for organizing this and allowing us to help, albeit in a small way, the girls on Chickie’s floor.
Hope things continue to improve for your family!
Thank you so much for all you share and all you do! Your mailbox will be the most popular mailbox at the UPS store. *grin* Hugs to all of you!!
I hope that UPS place knows what they are in for! Packages on the way.
More body wash on the way! Thank you for pushing for this so we could all do *something*. Tell Chickie that we are showering her with tampon/soap/shampoo love and when she rolls her eyes and tells you how gross and embarrassing it is, then we’ll know she’s on the mend. You should set up a twitter party so we can all drink together and tell inappropriate jokes.
Mir – I cannot wait to get on this….just have to get through a couple of work meetings and then lots of good stuff will be on the way……thanks soooo much for letting us help and for supporting you (collectively) any way we possible can….
2in1 Shampoo and Lipbalm on its way to you!
Much love and prayers to you all!
XOXO
So I’ve been reading for years and have never ever commented, but I’m finally moved to comment and do something– a package from Amazon is on its way.
Such a wonderful thing! Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help a little. :)
Such a cool thing being done here. Puzzle books of some sort will be making their way down there when I can get to it. Easier for a nerdy guy to get…. :)
I have to say that thinking about the average HS / College part timer in that UPS store, especially if it is a ‘he’ is cracking me up. So is the thought (and it doesnt seem far off) of piling the stuff so high in Otto’s pickup truck that it needs to be tied down.
Also…. not that I personally subscribe to bribery, per se. but maybe these contributions will add some grease to the machine that is working to her Chickie in particular (noone need know anything, and not that its a focus here… but it is practical). Its like bring baked goods in a really round about way…… and now of course THAT has me chuckling.. think I’ll stop now..
goody. I like doing.
My girl spent 4 days at a ‘hospital’ – it was a terrible 4 days for all of us. Mir – hang in there! You’re doing the right thing for her….and for those other girls! I just placed my order on amazon. Thank you for lettings us help you, Chickie, and the other troubled girls. It really does take a village sometimes, right?
I didn’t read all the comments so maybe this was already asked: Are books from Amazon wanted for the patients?
Thanks for giving us this opportunity to do something. It may be a small gesture but could mean the world to those girls. I don’t have amazon prime so I did the free shipping which should arrive 7/30-8/4. Shampoo/conditioner, body wash and lip smackers coming your way.
I just signed up for a free trial of amazon prime, seems like a great use of it to me. :)
YAY. And thanks for the opportunity. I’m excited to hear about how quickly all the stuff piles up!
On it’s way — Those girls can menstruate to their hearts content!
Somedays, when I’m feeling particularly churlish about life in general, the internet explodeth with human kindness and slaps me out of my navel gazing.
Mir, your generousity and kindness to others while traversing this life challenge is heartwarming. UPS box coming soon.
This is so awesome.
Just wanted to suggest, if it would be acceptable to do so, adding little notes in the packs of stuff that say things like “you can get through this,” would be sweet and hopefully encouraging.
I’d also like to chip in for Chickadee saying that she is strong and very, very loved.
(Sending a physical note from Australia seems mildly impractical. Comment it is.)
to the commenter who asked about OB tampons: from 14-22 when I started having *ahem* issues that necessitated a brand change for me, those were my favorite kind. A little awkward at first, but definitely would be appreciated by 14 year-old me!
“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” Edward Everett Hale
Mir, I sent what little I could, and the comments have me in tears. So much love.
Thank you Mir for finding a way for all of us to show our love and support for Chickie and her family by helping others who are not surrounded by the strong network of caring people which you have.
Puzzle books on their way from Nova Scotia via Amazon. (And if any of the books appeal to Monkey, please give them to him. If I knew his interests, I would have ordered double copies. Duh, lack of forethought on my part.)
Happy to finally be able to ‘do’ something. Package on its way from Amazon!
“It’s not really about the stuff….this is more a matter of boundaries and appropriate behavior.†What a bunch of psycho-babble BS. I mean, honestly. Of COURSE boundaries and appropriate behavior are issues when you’ve got kids stealing, cutting, lying, and generally going (literally) crazy – but REALLY people, look around you and see the genuine material need. To paraphrase Freud, sometimes it really is about the tampon.
Anyway. Off to warm up my Amazon Prime membership – this should be an interesting order list. I have a toddler in diapers, am expecting a newborn soon and will be buying for needy teenage girls just to round things out :)
Yay Yay YAY! These people are going to be overwhelmed with hygiene!
You are awesome, so awesome. SO glad we can do this!!
Shampoo and tampons are headed your way from Texas.
I adopted a child from the foster care system and know more than most how little those kids have.
Thanks for letting us help.
Hugs to Chickie from her internet cheering section.
This is wonderful and definitely brought some light to a dreary day. Puzzle books are headed your way (thanks Amazon Prime and Discover rewards)!
lip balm and shampoo on the way.
Another addition to the outpouring of love for these girls. Our Amazon order is on the way to your box. Feels good to help. Thanks!
Ordering tonight, have Prime will send, just need to spend more time on Amazon than my work allows. You so rock.
Body wash, deodorant, and tampons coming. Glad to help. Might look around and see what I can do locally too. Love ya Mir.
Yay!!! Something to do! Body wash, tampons and non alcohol based face wash headed your way.
Hahahaha Mir… I have to laugh. I was just on Amazon, and I think your readers have hit Amazon pretty hard. A number of your recommendations have sold out! Managed to find some things for the girls anyway though.
I love you, Mir! You have so much on your plate and yet you are big enough to think of these sisters who are worse off. I’m in tears.
Love it when we all throw in together and humanity is the only important thing! Sending tons of littles–little soaps, little shampoos & conditioners, some big body washes, couple boxes of tampons, some deodorants, and so much love and good wishes for every girl there struggling to be whole. Thank you, Mir, for being an agent of goodness in the midst of your own shitstorm.
Way to unite, folks.
Just sent some tampons your way. :) And sent the link to an Athens friend – I could see her totally digging helping these girls.
Applauding everyone who thought of this, and Mir for making it happen. Compassion for others, especially when you’re not having an easy time of things yourself, seems like a sorely undervalued quality sometimes.
And if some girls find their difficult lives made a tiny bit easier thanks to the kindness of strangers… well, it kinda makes me a little teary just thinking about it.
I lurk… I’ve been crying for you… I’ve sent a gift card. Thanks for helping us DO something!
Tampons and Body Wash on the way via Amazon from us. Send our love to Chickadee! (non-stalkerish love, of course!)
Wondering how long before this is a NYTimes story… with the headline: Georgia woman makes tampon lemonade for needy tweens… or something. Off to peruse the Amazon!
I can’t express how amazing it is when people unite to help a bunch of girls who think no one is thinking about them. I spent a fair bit of time in the hospital from the ages of 17 to 19 and I had a stressed, exhausted, loving set of parents who did all they could to make sure I didn’t completely fall apart. In tribute to them and you and your ex-husband and Otto and all amazing parents, a box will be on the way tomorrow. And one for my local girls’ home, too, I don’t know why I’ve waited this long. Hugs all ’round.
Mir, you are simply amazing.
Nice-smelling body wash, Stridex pads, and 2 Games Magazine big puzzle books on their way. Thank you for giving us a way to do something for Chickadee and for these girls who could use a little comfort of everyday products that aren’t industrial.
Love and strength to wonderful Chickadee, and to you and Otto and Monkey.
Thank you for the opportunity. Thinking of you and your family. xoxo
Hi Mir,
I have been reading your blog for years, and I think this is the first time I am commenting. Please know that your daughter and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your life with us! I will be sending something via amazon today. Thanks for giving us a way to help out, even indirectly. :)
Mir, you are so, so beautiful.
What you have started is something so very awesome. Not only do I want to help you out, but you have inspired me to look into local facilities to see if any supplies are needed there as well. Thank you.
Sent some body wash your way! You’re doing a great thing, a crazy-great thing for your daughter.
Longtime lurker delurking to let you know that some Stridex pads and Lipsmackers (did you know they make Skittles-flavored ones now?!) are on their way via Amazon. I wonder if the sudden surge in online tween-centric toiletry purchases is throwing their data trackers for a loop?
All the best to you and yours!
Some tampons headed your way. So glad we can do this little thing to help. Hugs!
I meant to do this when I first read this. You should have your items Friday!
With love:)
Feels so good to be able to help even just a little. Thanks for investigating this and for setting up the UPS box. Sending goodies your way. Hope the hospital is preparing some storage room!
And more tampons headed your way. I figure this will be in the second wave of supplies!
So glad to be able to do something concrete to make a difference- one tampon at a time.
Just ordered some lovely body wash. I can’t stand the stuff personally but I can imagine my tween/teen self would have loved it.
Thank you for giving us a way to help – amazing how you did indeed make tampon lemonade out of lemons. Small pads, acne face wipes and lip balm on the way. This is going to be very cool! My small order plus…. equals a big order!