Rotarians Michele Goad, Suzanne Schoomer, Rick Tinucci, and James Webster, joined Rotarian and executive director Jennifer Krassinger for a volunteer opportunity at GiFT (Giving is a Family Tradition) on Wednesday October 27.
Jennifer Krassinger founded GiFT in 2005 to support families with newborns requiring admittance to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As a NICU nurse, Jennifer realized that babies may be hospitalized for the first several months of their lives, even up to their first birthday, and prolonged hospitalization could create family hardships and put a financial strain on families. Jennifer showed us a premature baby diaper that was no bigger than a BandAid and a blood pressure cuff that barely fit my index finger. It certainly gave the group an appreciation for the fragility of life for these young babies and the care provided by dedicated NICU nurses.
The group helped sort items into take -home packages for families as well as sort diapers by sizes for future distribution. I always look forward to opportunities like these as they allow participants to not only provide needed help for the community but to enjoy the company of fellow Rotarians.
Rick Tinucci