Filling baskets for some of the tiniest people has become an everyday activity for Brittany Schiavone.
Filling baskets for some of the tiniest people has become an everyday activity for Brittany Schiavone.
She is the founder of Brittany's Baskets of Hope, a nonprofit that provides care baskets for babies born with Down syndrome.
Brittany, who has Down syndrome herself, founded the nonprofit in 2014. "She was really forceful about it," Brittany's mom, Sue Schiavone, told InsideEdition.com. "This was something that sometimes as a mom you tend to say, 'Well, that's a really nice idea, honey.' But she really pushed it. She really wanted to do this."
She added: "She had the support, she had the encouragement. As a family, you know we all kind of pulled together."
The organization's goal is to provide information to families stepping into a new role as parent of a child with Down syndrome.
"Speaking from experience, when you have a baby with Down syndrome, you're still reeling from the birth," Sue said. "There's just so much going on in your life that you need time to process. The real push for the baskets is not only to celebrate the baby but to give the parents resources and a direction when they really need it at the very beginning."
Several businesses chip in with donations.
"Let's say we get hats, boots, booties, organic bottles, pacifiers or headbands, whatever. Anything really handmade and crocheting blankets and booties and hats," Brittany said.
To date, Brittany's Baskets of Hope has sent 700 baskets to 48 states.
Word has spread so far, even "Dancing With the Stars" pro Derek Hough has sent his well wishes.
The organization is now looking to get involved with hospitals so parents can reach out immediately after birth.
If you'd like to know more, head to Brittany'sBasketsofHope.org.
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