Donation Use & FAQ

---

Donation Use, Transparency & Frequently Asked Questions

When you donate to The Brave Box, 100% of your donation—no matter the form—will be given to NICU families in one way, shape, or another. Every contribution directly supports families navigating the NICU journey—inside a Brave Box, alongside a themed box drop, or within NICU family-accessible spaces.

We accept donations year-round and use every gift thoughtfully to meet families where they are—whether through on-demand Brave Boxes, seasonal themed campaigns, or shared NICU family spaces.

The Brave Box was created to serve NICU families both on demand and through seasonal themed giving.

• On-Demand Brave Boxes:
  Provided throughout the year as families are referred to us by hospitals, care teams, or community members.
   
• Seasonal Themed Boxes:
  Including Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day boxes. These are our intentional community donations during especially difficult times of the year—seasons we personally experienced and deeply understand.
   

Because hospitals welcome new patients daily, referrals happen continuously. If a donation is given outside of a current wish list campaign, it will be applied to the next mission, a future themed box, or an on-demand referral.

Unless a donation is specifically restricted, contributions are used flexibly and responsibly to support NICU families wherever the need exists most.

Our Brave Boxes currently measure 12 x 9 x 4 inches.

To ensure items fit comfortably, we primarily seek travel-size and mini personal care items, including but not limited to:

• Travel-size lotion
   
• Travel-size body wash
   
• Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
   
• Mini loofahs
   
• Travel-size fragrance spray
   
• Travel-size hairspray
   
• Toothpaste
   
• Mouthwash
   
• Deodorant
   
• Mini hairbrushes or combs
   
• Compact cosmetic mirrors
   
• Travel-size cosmetics and beauty products
   

These items allow us to pack each box with care while keeping them portable, practical, and comforting for NICU families.

For those who prefer to donate itemized products, we encourage shopping from our wish lists.

• A general Brave Box wish list for year-round needs
   
• Themed wish lists that support seasonal box projects (Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day)
   

Shopping from our wish lists helps ensure items fit inside the boxes and align with the needs of each project.

We also love and welcome donations such as games, notebooks, art supplies, and creative activities. These items are placed in NICU family lounge and parent spaces for families to enjoy. We know firsthand how meaningful it is to have activities available to help busy the mind during long, emotionally heavy days.

We are grateful for full-size items, larger comfort items, and activity-based donations.

If an item does not fit inside a Brave Box, it will be placed in NICU family-accessible spaces, including family lounges and parent areas, where families spend extended time caring for their babies.

• $10–$20 gift cards are ideal for inclusion inside Brave Boxes.
   
• Larger gift cards (such as $100 or $200) are used to support our current wish list campaign, including purchasing coffee, cookies, and other treats shared alongside a themed box drop. This allows higher-value gifts to impact multiple families at once.

(Christmas • Mother’s Day • Father’s Day)

Our wish list campaigns highlight seasonal Brave Boxes designed to encourage families during meaningful and often challenging times of the year.

While these campaigns help guide specific needs, donations may be used:

• Inside a Brave Box
   
• Alongside a themed box drop
   
• Within NICU family-accessible spaces
   

depending on size, timing, and immediate family needs.

Unless otherwise specified, donations are not restricted to a single box and may support families through on-demand referrals throughout the year.

If I donate outside of a campaign, what happens?
Your donation will support the next mission, a future themed box, or an on-demand referral.

Do all donations go inside a box?
Not always. Items that don’t fit are still given directly to families through shared NICU spaces.

What if I donate something that doesn’t fit the box?
It will be placed in a NICU family-accessible area where families can still benefit from your generosity.

No matter the campaign.
No matter the season.
No matter the form of donation.

Every gift supports NICU families—always.

100% of donations support NICU families through Brave Boxes, themed box drops, or NICU family-accessible spaces, year-round.