Golden Spike Decorative Painters
Memory and Treasure Box Programs

The Memory Box and Treasure Box programs are two of our Chapter's community projects, so we need boxes from our members to support these worthwhile projects.

Memory Box Program

"The Memory Box Artist Program, Inc. began in June of 1998 as an all volunteer effort to provide boxes for families of newborns that pass-away in a hospital. The Memory Box is given to the parents of the child so they do not leave the hospital without any acknowledgment of the child's life. The boxes are filled with mementos of the child, i.e. photograph, footprints, lock of hair, etc."

"The purpose of the program is to affirm the life of their child for the family who has suffered the loss of a newborn. Crafters and artists create each box with great love and a sincere wish to reach out in support and understanding. We know each infant is special and loved very much, regardless of how long the child lived."

"To date, the program has provided over 113,000 boxes for infant bereavement programs. The boxes are provided free of charge to the hospitals who participate in this program. Each box is painted or decorated by volunteers who purchase the boxes and other supplies with their own funds, and then mail them to the appropriate hospital without any expectation of compensation." Our boxes will go to the Ogden Regional Hospital.

The boxes sent are as varied as the artists that create them. What is important is that the boxes are created 'from the heart'. Our 'rule of thumb' is that if the box would make you happy if you were to receive it, then it is a good box. Everyone at any skill level is welcome to participate in the program. There is always a need for more boxes!

If you would like more information on the Memory Box Project visit the Tole Friends Memory Box Program web site at:
www.memoryboxes.org

Treasure Box Program

Jan Mc Craw, known by most as Ladybug, is the founder of the Treasure Box Program for sick children.

Having been a nurse, Jan says "I remeber all too well how much it meant to terminally ill and long term case children in hospitals, to be given some little extra TLC (tender loving care). So the idea was born to paint a box for a child to have for their very own to hold keepsakes at their bedside. In checking out the resources on traditional treasure boxes used for the past century by kids, I discovered it had been a shoe box. As it turns out, it is the perfect shape to fit into a hospital nightstand. They can be painted up the same as any paper mache box. After painting every shoe box I could find, I did have to purchase some keepsakes boxes at a craft store, which are the same shape and size" (11" x 7" and 4" deep).

Jan has "made it my goal since 2006 to paint as many Treasure Boxes as I can and to try to get others involved into making this a legacy that can benefit the sick children around the world. I can't even begin to explain in words of how it feels to have a lump in your throat and a warm feeling in your heart knowing it brings such joy and a big smile to each child when they are given their very own box. Won't you please join me in painting a " Treasure Box" to bring a smile to a sick child's face. It is such a worthy cause."

"There is no profit made from this program, it is entirely based on volunteers who paint and create the boxes, submit designs, supplies or whatever is required to make the program work. All of the work or money that goes into this program, is completely voluntary or donated. Anything stated to the contrary is false and will be construed to be an attempt to disrupt the true aim of the program. It is meant only to offer some TLC and to put a smile on a sick child's face."

If you would like more information on the Treasure Box Project visit Ladybug's web site at:
www.ladybugcreations.com/tbprogram/

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