TOLEDO, Ohio — Care packages for a good cause.
For the last seven years, donations have bee made to staff and family in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in honor of a daughter's life that was lost.
Rochelle Russell, founder of Breanna Banner Ladybug Society, has been turning her pain and loss into support and love for those going through similar challenges that she faced before she lost her daughter. She now makes care packages for a local hospital's Neuroscience ICU staff and patients.
"She [Breanna] passed on December 15, 2013, here in Toledo, leaving behind a 19-day-old baby girl," Russell said. "Every year on her angel date I take food and goodies for the nurses. Plus gift bags of toiletries like combs, brushes, socks, skull caps and body wash because sometimes they don't get to go home."
This is the eighth year of the donation drive, which comes mainly out Russell's pocket. Funds are tight this year and she's afraid she may not be able to make the donation baskets."
"I want to show them how much I appreciate how well they took care of Breanna. How well they looked after my family," said Russell.
Russell is looking for community help to continue furthering her daughter's legacy of giving back into the community.
She said she's already lost her daughter, and she doesn't want to lose the legacy of giving back.
"Since I was a kid, my granny taught me about community and giving back. I talked with Breanna about community and giving back. So, this is making her smile in heaven every year I do this," Russell said. "I cannot see not being able to do it this year."
She said she already has a good handful of supplies, but she's needs more assistance to be able to build nice donation bags for those at Toledo Hospital.
Russell is taking her goodie bags in on Friday, Dec. 15. She's hoping to get all donated supplies by Dec. 14.
If you're interested in learning more about her efforts, or want to help her continue to give, CLICK HERE to be directed to her GoFundMe page.