Monica Freer has special feelings for the neonatal intensive care unit at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, and a special empathy for moms whose babies must spend the first days of their lives receiving the specialized medical care. Freer has six children, four of whom were cared for in the NICU.
“It”™s a joyful and stressful time all at once,” she said. “As a former NICU mom, I wanted to give these families a little surprise to brighten their day.”
Freer, who lives in East Fishkill and is a representative of the nationwide direct sales company Thirty-One Gifts, began the thermal tote program three years ago. This year, she assembled and donated 31 bags filled with journals, game books, hand sanitizer, tissues, snacks and other essential and fun items. In addition, she donated 20 handmade baby blankets to the NICU.
