Every year, approximately 10% of all babies born in the United States are admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NICUs provide critical care for neonates who are born too early, have a difficult birth, or have other health conditions that require specialized medical attention. Instead of going home with their little ones, these NICU families face stress, anxiety, grief, and other challenges from the unexpected circumstances of their baby’s birth.
The NICU experience is undeniably hard on parents, but organizations like AnnLee’s Violet Light Project (AVLP) make these families feel supported and less alone. AVLP has been a beacon of light among our own Kyte community, receiving many nominations on our Nominate-a-NICU page. In support of their work in shining love, hope, and compassion for NICU families around the country, we have chosen AVLP as our November charity.
About AnnLee’s Violet Light Project
AnnLee’s Violet Light Project is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was founded by AnnLee Sky, who was born prematurely in 2013 at 33 weeks and 6 days. Her compassion for other NICU babies and families was the guiding light for AVLP, which sends blessing bags and bereavement bags to families in the NICU in all 50 states.
What Is a Blessing Bag?
If you currently have a baby in the NICU, you may request a blessing bag from AnnLee’s Violet Light Project with supplies that provide comfort and care through your hospital stay. Each blessing bag includes:
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A book to bring peace and encouragement
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A “Peace Out NICU” onesie to celebrate your little fighter’s strength
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A soft octopus plush with curly tentacles that mimic the feel of the umbilical cord to offer comfort and security
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Travel-size essentials for parents
What Is a Bereavement Bag?
If you or someone you know is experiencing the unimaginable pain of losing a baby in the NICU, you may request an AVLP bereavement bag, which is personalized to honor your baby, and contains items of comfort and remembrance.
Newborn Supplies for Locals
Located in Inola, OK AnnLee’s Violet Light Project also offers limited newborn necessities to NICU families who can pick up the supplies from its office. Supplies include:
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Preemie/Newborn diapers
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Preemie/Newborn pajamas
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Wipes
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Breastmilk storage bags
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Breast pads
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Hand pumps
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Postpartum supplies
Words From Our Kyte Community
“This is an awesome NICU charity based out of a very small community. They help every hospital that has a NICU in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area!”
-Michelle S.
“AnnLee was born premature. Her mother went through what other mothers and families go through when this happens. It has become a worthwhile commitment to helping others who go through the NICU experience, and they do a really great job.”
-Roger C.
“AVLP is such a blessing! They provide emotional support, meals, and blessing and bereavement bags to NICU families. Shawnda and AnnLee have touched countless lives!”
-Savanna B.
“I was a NICU nurse for over four years before retiring to stay home with my own babies. During that time, I witnessed this amazing organization do so much for the NICU I worked at, as well as all the NICUs around town. They provided so much support and encouragement to our NICU families in the times they needed it most.”
-Katherine B.
“AVLP is a staple nonprofit organization in our town. They have a huge passion for what they do. They have helped so many families, and I am always humbled by the stories and people I have encountered through the organization.”
-Casy M.
“They are a small nonprofit organization that truly touches families in the NICU. My son is now seven years old, but had a stay in the NICU after birth. I was completely lost. This organization came in and made sure that I was fed, had supplies and resources like laundry, and that my son had clothes that would fit him. They truly blessed my heart.”
-Brooke L.
How to Give
If you would like to support AnnLee’s Violet Light Project, you may donate here.
How to Nominate a NICU
If you have a NICU that you would like us to donate to, you may submit a nomination along with your story on our Nominate-a-NICU page.
