Mission

Founded in 2008, Love Bug Bundles strives to support mothers in need and make each newborn's introduction to the world one complete with basic necessities that promote safety and well-being. Our programs improve outcomes for these families by providing education and resources that help alleviate the stress of poverty and prevent family crisis.

Love Bug Bundles is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

In Texas, 25% of children live in poverty.
In Texas, 1 in 10 children lives in extreme poverty.
Showing posts with label Updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Updates. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Once upon a silent night five years ago...


Once upon a silent night five years ago, within a dark nursery, on a soft brown chair, wrapped in his mother's loving arms, a seven-week-old Love Bug fell peacefully asleep. Savoring the warmth of her child's little body, feeling their hearts beating together, the mother realized the name for an idea that had been stirring inside her since his birth. Love Bug Bundles. 

My vision for Love Bug Bundles was to build a movement to support mothers and make each newborn's introduction to the world one complete with basic necessities that promote safety, well-being, and loving bonds.

As a new mother myself, I knew the time surrounding pregnancy and childbirth represents one of the most vulnerable yet rewarding periods in a woman’s life. Ensuring her physical and mental well-being helps ensure the well-being of each newborn baby. No matter the circumstances of her pregnancy and delivery, every mother deserves compassion and support.

Over the past five years, we have worked to help mothers and their newborns start their lives together in positive ways. We are deeply grateful for all of the special, generous, encouraging, and compassionate people who have given their support and talents to Love Bug Bundles.

From the first guests at our Launch Party who generously embraced a new cause, to the families who rallied to collect 13,408 diapers for Fair Day—you amaze us with your ability to rise.

From the moms' and church groups that organized their own charity baby showers, to non-profit groups that have become partners—you amaze us with your commitment.

From young professionals who opened doors to valuable resources in their fields, to business leaders who sponsored our events—you amaze us with your talent and generosity.

From a special family welcoming twins to a sweet group of girls in Brownie Troop 25346—you amaze us with your compassion.

To our dear board members—you amaze us with every way you have shared your time, money, talents, and hearts.

We thank each and every individual who has helped us fulfill our mission. We hope you know how much you give a mother and child when you share just a little love.


Since 2008, core to our founding mission to serve mothers and babies in need has been the desire to spread love in the smallest ways. We embarked on this mission with these inspiring words:
"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. 
Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home."
—Mother Teresa
Thank you for being a part of the journey, and we look forward to continuing forward with you!





Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A Look Back at 2011

Happy New Year! 2011 was a year of wonderful stepping stones for Love Bug Bundles, and we are looking forward to taking leaps and bounds in 2012. Now for a little retrospective...

Our Giving
Thanks to your generosity, we donated 51 new infant bath tubs, more than 2,500 pieces of gently used infant clothing, and hundreds of other basic necessities, such as new infant clothing, toiletries, wash cloths, Lansinoh cream, baby wipes, and diaper bags to Houston families. We are hopeful that this year will bring many more opportunities to share as much love as we can with those who need it most.

Our Growth
As an organization that started as a personal charity project, we achieved a major milestone this year...we became an official non-profit corporation. Jessica Morrison, an associate at the Austin-based law firm Thompson & Knight LLP, volunteered to help us pro bono. Jessica's commitment, diligence, enthusiasm, and kindness helped us navigate the process of becoming a non-profit corporation in the state of Texas and obtaining 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status. We are truly grateful for Jessica's support in this transformational step toward fulfilling the Love Bug Bundles mission.

Our Joy
With love and gratitude, we welcomed our third love bug, Evangeline Sejal, born on September 9, 2011. Our first love bug, Micah, will be four in January; and our second love bug, Isabel, will be two in February. As we also prepare to celebrate the 4th anniversary of Love Bug Bundles in March, we are amazed by how we have grown as an organization and as a family.

Our Gratitude
We are humbled by every donation, large or small. Every little thing matters. We sincerely thank you for every item you donated, whether it was an infant bath tub, wash cloths, bath wash, diapers, baby wipes, clothing, a diaper bag, or breast pump. Thank you also to those who gave monetary donations...every dollar matters.

Our Hope
2012 promises to be our best year yet! We are grateful for the support you have given at our past events and look forward to creating new events that will become Love Bug traditions. "Love" is in our name because it's at the heart of our mission. We'll be sending details on a Valentine's Day event soon!

Here's to you! May hope, joy, peace, and LOVE be yours!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Shop Our New Charity Store

We are proud to announce the opening of our Zazzle store, a place to purchase official Love Bug Bundles swag. Today we are unveiling the first design, the "xoxo" burnout women's t-shirt.

100% of the profit we receive from the sale of our merchandise benefits mothers and newborns in need. Show your love today!

Visit our Zazzle Store now and check back often for new items!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Announcing FAIR DAY 2011

We can hardly believe that a year has passed since we hosted our 1st Annual FAIR DAY Picnic & Diaper Drive. The event was conceived with one wish: 10,000 diapers. Your love delivered: 13,408 diapers!

In addition to your Texas-sized generosity, y'all gave us some great advice...host FAIR DAY in a cooler month. We heard you! The 2nd Annual FAIR DAY Picnic & Diaper Drive will be held in November 2011. Details coming soon...stay tuned on
Facebook.

p.s. We want the 2nd Annual FAIR DAY Picnic & Diaper Drive to bigger and better than the first. Please let us know if you, your family, or your business can share some love with venue, raffle prizes, refreshments, entertainment, or other forms of sponsorship. We love to support our supporters, so we'll be bragging about you on
our blog, Facebook, and anywhere we can.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Showered with Love

In April, the Bellaire Young Mothers dedicated their annual spring baby shower to Love Bug Bundles for the second time. The "Rub-a-Dub-Dub" Baby Shower built on last year's successful infant bath tub drive, providing an exciting opportunity to help mothers and their newborns start their lives together in positive ways.

As all mothers know, bonding with your newborn is essential. Daily activities such as bath time provide some of the greatest opportunities to focus on a new little one. You will never know just how much you give a mother when you take away some of the worry.

This year's drive raised 27 infant bath tubs, as well as a collection of bath time amenities and wash cloths.

Thanks again to all the Bellaire Young Mothers for being a moms who care about other moms!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Why It Matters

Today I was packing bundles for the June 4 baby shower at Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón. In the past, I have worked away late at night after the little ones are fast asleep, but this afternoon my 2-year-old son, Micah, was by my side. For months, he has been aware of the piles of infant bath tubs, diapers, clothing, and blankets growing in our house. We have talked about how these are for little babies like his new sister, Isabel. I realized that I could transform his natural interest into involvement, so I invited him to help me pack the Love Bug Bundles. What a moment. My inspiration and the original love bug is now helping bring necessities to other little love bugs.

Micah loved every minute of the process. Every time he placed an item in a bundle, he pointed to "Micah's" belongings. He even proudly showed me "Micah's" childproofing lock that keeps him out of our armoire. When I think of all of you who donated these baby items, I hope you know that nothing is too small to matter. A childproofing lock brings peace of mind in our home. And it will in anyone else's home. The blanket swaddling my baby girl brings her comfort and security. And it will to any little baby.

For the May 25 shower at Spring Branch Family Clinic, we delivered 12 Love Bug Bundles filled with infant bath tubs, receiving blankets, onesies, wash cloths, childproofing items, ice packs, and nursing cream. For the June 4 shower at Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón, we will be delivering 9 bundles.

Thank you again for all you do to make our work possible. Every little thing matters.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

SAVE THE DATE! June 5: First Annual FAIR DAY Picnic & Diaper Drive

Love Bug Bundles has been blessed to receive tremendous support from family, friends, and community members during the past two years. We want to celebrate your role in our growth as an organization with The 1st Annual Love Bug Bundles FAIR DAY Picnic & Diaper Drive.

So, please save the date for SATURDAY, JUNE 5 and tell all of your friends and family!

We look forward to the opportunity to get to know each of you better and collect a necessity for babies... diapers. We were startled to learn that no state assistance provides subsidies for diapers. Low-income families in our community often have to choose between diapers and other essentials, such as healthy food.

OUR GOAL: Collect 10,000 DIAPERS!

Love Bug Bundles cannot thank you enough for your generous support. We believe in serving our community by caring about our neighbors' well-being and doing some good wherever we can. We're glad you have chosen to be a part of this cause too!

Every little thing you do really matters!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

April Showers!

We just delivered 16 love bug bundles for our baby showers at Lee High School (April 8) and Magnolia (April 9). The bundles include 1 onesie, 1 receiving blanket, a set of 4 wash cloths, 1 childproofing kit, and 2 breastfeeding amenities. Plus, we are delighted to now include 1 infant bath tub...a great way to help mothers keep infants safe and bond during bath time.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Love Bug Featured by Benjamin Moore

January 15 - Two Design Mavens Help You Start the New Year in Style! Each of Us Can Make an Impact Through the Power of Giving



Tuesday, October 20, 2009

12.12.09 Love. Give. Crop.



Wrap up all your holiday projects before the New Year…and give to a special cause!

On December 12, Love Bug Bundles will be hosting an all-day crop at By Design Scrapbook Boutique for $10, as well as a charity auction. All of the proceeds go toward providing essential baby items to low-income mothers in the Houston area. Every little item truly means the world to these families.

We also invite you to drop off new and gently used baby items at By Design any time before December 12. A donation bin will be available to collect:
• Receiving Blankets (neutral colors)
• Newborn and 0-3 Month Clothing (neutral colors)
• Wash Cloths
• Diapers
• Infant Bathtubs

(Click to Enlarge Image)


About Love Bug Bundles
Founded in March 2008, the mission of Love Bug Bundles is to support mothers in need and make each newborn’s introduction to the world one complete with basic necessities that promote safety and well-being. In Texas, 25% of children live in poverty and 1 in 10 children lives in extreme poverty. As a major urban center, Houston is home to many of these children. Our programs improve outcomes for these families by providing education and resources that help alleviate the stress of poverty and prevent family crisis.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Recent Showers

Just a quick update on recent happenings...

August 24
Spring Branch
17 mothers received Love Bug Bundles containing:
· 1 receiving blanket
· 1 newborn or three-month outfit
· 1 bib or 1 hat
· 1 set of outlet covers and cabinet lock

September 4
Magnolia
12 mothers received Love Bug Bundles containing:
· 1 receiving blanket
· 1 newborn or three-month outfit
· 1 set of wash cloths
· 1 breastfeeding amenity

Monday, August 24, 2009

Today's a Big Day

This has been an exciting two weeks for Love Bug Bundles! We...
...acquired our first major corporate sponsor, Lansinoh
...began accepting online donations
...hosted our seventh community baby shower (at Spring Branch Family Development Center)
...(and today!) surpassed our 2009 goal of delivering 100 Love Bug Bundles to mothers in need

We have come a long way! In 2008, the inaugural year of the program, we primarily worked on setting goals, building relationships, and delivering a modest 100 essential baby items. Since March 2009, which marked our second year, we have partnered with Houston's Healthy Family Initiatives and the Community Doula Program to host monthly baby showers for young Houston-area mothers in need.

In the first six months of working with the Community Doula Program, we have delivered 112 Love Bug Bundles, exceeding our goal for the entire year in half the time!
Our program has been funded entirely through private donations. We cannot thank our individual donors enough for their compassionate giving.

We are especially grateful for our recent corporate sponsorship from Lansinoh, which will allow us to include quality breastfeeding products in our bundles. Hopefully, this is just the beginning!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Thank You Lansinoh

A company that has created breastfeeding and baby supplies for more than 25 years, Lansinoh truly lives its motto "By Moms for Moms." I am delighted to announce that Lansinoh will be providing samples of its lanolin cream for our Love Bug Bundles!

When I was nursing my son for 13 months, I was fortunate to use Lansinoh products. I know how much the products helped me. Until now, it has been cost-prohibitive to include these great products in Love Bug Bundles. Now we can, and I know the mothers will be greatly appreciative!

Check out Lansinoh's new blog http://www.bymomsformoms.net.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Check back for more photos soon!

Upcoming Showers:
August 24 @ Spring Branch
September 4 @ Magnolia

Out of the Blue

When I founded Love Bug, I was not sure if my mission would be shared by all. Yet, although I have encountered a few naysayers, I have been overwhelmed by supporters. Today, I was especially touched by a package I received. Out of the blue, a friend sent a big box filled to the brim with brand new receiving blankets and onesies. I am so deeply touched and so greatly encouraged by her generosity.

So many of you think of Love Bug when you are in the store and see a clearance section full of baby items. I truly and deeply appreciate every little item you give. It means the world to the mothers and their babies.

Partnering with the Community Doula Program, we have been able to accomplish great things, including delivering 95 bundles in less than six months. Thanks to the ongoing support of so many wonderful people, I have hope that we can do even more in the years to come.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Happy!

I am HAPPY to give you a June update on Love Bug Bundles. So much has been happening this month because of support from wonderful people like you. Every dollar, newborn item, and word of encouragement truly means A LOT!

Here are just a few reasons I am HAPPY!

1. Baby Steps
We are beginning the process of forming a non-profit corporation and establishing 501c(3) status. We have a long way to go (…create a board, prepare financials, etc.), but we are one step closer because of the advice of a long-time friend who happens to have experience with pro bono non-profit legal assistance.

2. Baby Talk
Recently, I have heard from fantastic friends who just want to know how they can help. I am honored and humbled by such selfless generosity...can’t wait to see how each of you will become a part of the Love Bug family! Here are some things we currently need:
• Flannel receiving blankets
• Newborn clothing in neutral colors
• Nursing wraps
• Lanolin cream

3. Baby Bundles
We hosted two baby showers this week at Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón and Spring Branch Family Development Center. Marissa and Karla of Community Doula Program have added décor, cake, and giveaways that make the baby showers bigger and better than ever. I continue to teach the 5 S’s from Happiest Baby on the Block and breastfeeding tips. Love Bug was able to contribute 39 bundles, which each contained a newborn clothing item, a receiving blanket, a set of wash cloths, and a breastfeeding amenity. Love Bug also provided a table full of gently used baby boy and baby girl clothing where mothers could “shop” for a few additional items.

4. Baby Dreams
We have a summer project! We want to provide nursing wraps to mothers. Breastfeeding is a beautiful gift that a mother can give to her child, but mothers often supplement with formula when in public. Blankets are good options for privacy, but they often fall when babies wiggle or mothers adjust. With a little fabric and creativity, we hope to offer mothers a simple nursing wrap that can help preserve the mother’s modesty and foster exclusive breastfeeding.

Have a HAPPY summer (and stay in touch)!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Love Bug Milestone: 56 Bundles!

As a new mother, I pay a lot of attention to milestones. Well, today we passed the halfway mark toward the goal of delivering 100 Love Bug Bundles in 2009! We have delivered 56 bundles containing a total of 263 items.

I especially thank the sweet, generous, and supportive donors who gave in honor of Mother’s Day!

Today we hosted a baby shower at the Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón. Marisa taught first aid for infant CPR and choking, and I taught the 5 S’s and demonstrated swaddling. Afterward, the mothers played a fun version of hot potato...tossing a diaper to reggaeton music…SO FUN!

The 20 bundles this month included:
· 1 newborn clothing item
· 1 pack of wash cloths or 1 bib
· 1 set of outlet covers and cabinet lock
· 1 bottle of lavender lotion

First Aid for Infant CPR and Choking

Swaddling Demonstration


Reggaeton Hot Potato

Monday, March 16, 2009

Spread the Love

Love Bug Mission: Build a movement to support mothers in need and make each newborn's introduction to the world one complete with basic necessities that promote safety and well-being.

As a fledgling program, Love Bug Bundles is still forging new relationships and creating partnerships to make our mission a reality. Please spread the word to your family and friends. Invite them to follow this Blog to learn more and receive updates!!

At this time, Love Bug Bundles is entirely funded through personal funds and private donations. We would greatly benefit from any type of support, including:
· monetary donations
· newborn items
· postpartum and breastfeeding items
· product samples
· translated brochures and literature



Sunday, March 15, 2009

Begin to Understand

We can imagine the needs of others and imagine the cause. Imagine blame. We can even imagine a solution. However, not until you take time to listen to those in need and witness their humanity can you truly begin to understand.

Last week, I participated in my first two baby showers (Lee High School and Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón) with the Community Doula Program of the Healthy Family Initiatives. The generosity of family and friends helped make it possible to give 27 Love Bug Bundles, 24 postpartum items, and six door prizes to expectant mothers in need. The March baby shower bundles included:

· 1 receiving blanket
· 1 newborn or three-month outfit
· 1 bib or 1 hat
· 1 pair of socks or 2 wash cloths

~

Shoot for the moon...Even if you miss, you'll land among stars.

-Brian Littrell