The nursing students at Shepherd recently held a drive to collect baby supplies for premature and critically ill babies.
The drive was organized by Sara Lanier, a senior nursing student. It was inspired by a trip to the Winchester Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU.
Lanier said, “Your heart breaks when you see them. They are just so teeny-tiny.”
Through out the month of February, Shepherd’s nursing staff and “level three” nursing students held a bake sale in the Ram’s Den. The students and staff collected over $200 to purchase onsies and blankets. They also set up donation boxes at the Wellness Center, Library, Student Center, and Shepherd University Nursing Main Office for additional donations.
The students were able to collect 436 onsies, 72 baby hats, 65 baby blankets, and 22 socks through donations.
After initially visiting the NICU, the need for additional supplies became apparent to Lanier. She realized that the amount of babies who would be without parental support and with Child Protective Services meant that there was a need for this assistance and these supplies.
Lanier went on to say that she was shocked by the number of donations. Lanier is excited to know that Shepherd can make such a large difference in the lives of those newborns and help “normalize” their first life experiences.
All donations were given to Winchester Medical Center NICU for premature and critically ill newborns.