The holiday season is often a time for giving, reflecting on our blessings, and making a positive impact on the community. This spirit of generosity comes in many forms — from donating time to volunteering at shelters to contributing goods to those in need. However, one charitable initiative that stands out this season is Caroline’s Closet, a meaningful project launched in 2020 by Meghan Block, the founder of Wicked Good Mom Media and CEO of BostonMoms.com, a platform that connects and empowers Boston-area moms.
Caroline’s Closet is more than just a traditional charitable initiative — it’s a heartfelt celebration and tribute to Caroline, Meghan Block’s daughter, who was born prematurely in 2019. It’s also a reflection of Meghan’s unwavering belief in the power of community, the bonds between mothers, and the importance of supporting moms when they need it the most.
The Birth of Caroline’s Closet
Caroline was born at 34 weeks after a complicated pregnancy and a period of hospital bedrest for Meghan. NICU time was expected, but the family was unprepared for what that would truly mean, as many NICU families are.
Meghan is open about her story and states that she had a very traumatic birth experience and an extremely difficult time processing directly after birth. Caroline was immediately intubated, and Meghan did not hold her until she was 3 days old. A few days after she was born, Meghan’s husband Rob visited the NICU to find their baby in tiny clothes. Caroline’s nurse had purchased the outfit on her own and had dressed her in a tiny onesie. Rob immediately returned to Meghan’s hospital room to wheel her down to the NICU to see their baby in clothes. Meghan describes this act as incredibly healing: Seeing her fragile baby in clothes somehow made her seem more “real”.
Later, Meghan discovered that many nurses purchased preemie-sized clothes for their patients and other clothes were donated by previous NICU families after they were finished with them. She vowed to pay it forward after their time in the NICU.
The Mission of Caroline’s Closet
The mission of Caroline’s Closet is simple yet impactful: to provide local NICUs with new preemie and newborn-sized clothing, ensuring that babies and parents are gifted outfits whenever possible. It’s not just about providing clothes — it’s about restoring a sense of normalcy for local parents. It’s about removing some of the stress of life inside the walls of the NICU and blessing families with the “typical” experience of dressing their baby.
Since 2020, Meghan has held an annual clothing drive to collect new onesies, gowns and sleep sacks (snaps only for NICU wires — no zippers!) and delivers them to area NICUs. Using her social media platform and the help of her community, Meghan has donated over 4,000 outfits and now has a dedicated space at Mount Auburn Hospital and South Shore Hospital. In their fifth year, Meghan plans to bring Caroline’s Closet to Boston Medical Center and Brigham & Women’s Hospital as well.
A Community Effort
Caroline’s Closet wouldn’t exist without the collective efforts of the BostonMoms.com community and its supporters. The initiative is powered by donations of new preemie-sized clothing. But the success of Caroline’s Closet goes beyond just the donations — it’s the spirit of collaboration that has made this effort so successful.
Through its work, Caroline’s Closet has touched the lives of hundreds of mothers throughout the Boston area.
How to Get Involved
Caroline’s Closet is always looking for ways to expand its reach and make an even greater impact. There are several ways for individuals and businesses to get involved in supporting the initiative, including:
- Donating Clothing: Caroline’s Closet has an active Amazon wish list that compiles the needs of local hospital NICUs. In order to fill the dedicated Caroline’s Closet bureaus, thousands of outfits are needed each year. Donate directly via the wish list!
- Volunteering: Whether it’s helping sort clothes, assisting with distribution, or spreading the word about Caroline’s Closet, volunteers are always welcome to lend a hand.
- Spreading the Word: One of the most important ways to help Caroline’s Closet is by sharing the initiative with others. Whether through social media, word of mouth, or even organizing donation drives, helping raise awareness ensures that more women and families can be reached.
