What We Do
Programs Built Around What Families Actually Need
When a child is hospitalized for weeks or months, the crisis extends far beyond the hospital room. Our programs address the real, everyday challenges families face — from comfort and essentials to financial relief.
How It Works
Referred by Hospital Staff, Delivered with Care
We work directly with hospital social workers, child life specialists, and nursing staff who identify families in need. Every family we serve is referred through our hospital partners — ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
1
Referral
Hospital staff identify a family with a child in a long-term stay and submit a referral to Heart of Grace.
2
Personalize
We select and customize support based on the family’s specific needs — number of children, ages, and circumstances.
3
Deliver
Support is delivered through our hospital partners — bags to the unit, bills paid directly to vendors — so families can focus on their child.
Our Flagship Program
Family Care Bags
Comfort items, practical necessities, and encouragement delivered directly to families of children experiencing hospital stays of five or more days. Each bag is assembled by volunteers and tailored to the family’s needs.
Family Comfort Bag
For parents & caregivers
Soft blanket, personal care essentials, snacks, a reusable water bottle, phone charger, journal, gift card to a nearby restaurant, and a note of encouragement — everything a parent needs to get through long days at the bedside.
Child Comfort Bag
For the hospitalized child
Age-appropriate activities, a cozy blanket, a stuffed animal, art supplies, games, and small comforts designed to bring a little joy and distraction during a difficult stay.
Sibling Support Bag
For brothers & sisters
Siblings often feel invisible during a family medical crisis. This bag includes activities, a “Super Sibling” badge, a personal encouragement card, and items that remind them they matter too.
Who Qualifies?
Families with a child (age 0–17) in a partner hospital for an expected or actual stay of 5 or more consecutive days, referred by hospital social workers, child life specialists, or nursing staff. All services are provided at no cost and without discrimination.
Growing Our Impact
More Ways to Help Families
Family Care Bags are just the beginning. We’re developing additional programs to address the broader needs families face during extended hospital stays.
Coming Soon
Family Bill Relief
When a child is in the hospital, the bills at home don’t stop. This program will pay essential household bills — utilities, rent, car payments — directly to vendors on behalf of qualifying families, so parents can stay at the bedside without watching everything fall apart at home.
Coming Soon
Closet of Grace
Families often arrive at the hospital with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Closet of Grace will provide clothing and personal essentials to families in need — clean clothes, weather-appropriate outerwear, and basic necessities for parents and children alike.
Want to be notified when these programs launch? Get in touch and we’ll keep you updated.
Help a Family Today
Every donation goes directly to supporting families in crisis. A $25 gift helps fill a care bag. A $75 gift supports an entire family. Whatever you can give makes a difference.