FAQ – Common Questions:

Why do the NICUs need donated blankets each year? 

The NICUs use special high-powered laundry machines. These machines are rough on blankets and the NICUs go thru them quickly. The NICUs do provide standard blankets, but colorful donated blankets provide cheer and normalcy to families.

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Why are you expanding to include supplies for Bedrest Bundles this year? 

Bee Mighty supports families before, during and after a NICU journey. One of the ways we can support mothers who are likely to have a NICU experience and are put on bedrest by their doctors, is by providing this type of care package to help provide comfort, ease their minds and help pass their time. Our donors have asked for additional ways they can support our NICU families and this is one of them.

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What type of blankets can I donate? 

We are collecting NEW and gently used (no stains, not faded) cotton, knit and muslin receiving or swaddling blankets or burp clothes for the NICU. We are not collecting crocheted blankets or larger bedding/comforters as part of this drive.  

Do you prefer patterns or colors? 

The Amazon wish list includes both patterned and plain colored blankets. A mixture of both is preferred by the nurse when making the bed spaces cozy and bright. 

How do I drop off gently used or new blankets? 

Volunteers will have a box or bin on their front porch during the blanket drive collection. 

Where does the Amazon wish list go? 

The Amazon wish list is delivered to Bee Mighty volunteers. In early October all blankets are split between local NICUs and dropped off. 

I’d like to host a bin/Get my organization, church, school, neighborhood involved

We would love that! You are welcome to sponsor your own bin! Once complete, drop at any of our approved drop locations. Feel free to reach out with more questions to katie@beemighty.org. Our goal is to complete all blanket collections by early October to coordinate one drop off to each NICU. 

Who started this blanket drive? 

Laura and Matt Dubbeld’s son, Cayden was born at 25 weeks, spending 113 days in the NICU before coming home. During his journey, nurses would surround him with colorful blankets. This simple act gave them hope and inspired them to give back thru an annual blanket drive, hosted each September in honor of Cayden’s birthday and NICU Awareness month. Bee Mighty began to partner on this drive in 2022, allowing even more families to give back. 

How many blankets have you collected? 

Over the past 5 years, we have collected nearly 12,000 blankets for the local NICUs with this annual drive. This year our goal is to collect 3000 blankets and enough Bedrest Bundles supplies to serve our local antepartum units.