Man it makes me so sad that a service like this is even needed. But one thing I've learned about the woodworking community is the they are at their best when building something for a good cause. So thanks for bringing this to our attention April. I'll spread the word too.
Hi Arnold Amor From reading the organization's website I was under the impression that "abandoned and unidentified child" meant a child that was born and then left somewhere to die. Or maybe was killed and left somewhere such as a trash can. And while they do get those cases, I just found out that the organization also claims stillborn babies that are left with the hospital by parents that do not claim them and provide a burial. I think this information should be provided on their website, but I still support the cause at the end of the day. In my opinion, it's still a child that deserves to have a name and be given a burial instead of cremated and placed in a mass grave nameless. Just my opinion though.The Wood Whisperer Thank you Marc. I'm blown away by the response, this community is amazing.
I agree with you. I would think people would want their still born babies and give them names and burials, but I guess it goes into that fetus, abortion like debate which I'm not looking to stir up. Amazing, I just didn't know.
Arnold Amor When we asked when our stillborn baby was going to be released to be buried the hospital was surprised. They said most people do not claim the bodies so they are disposed of as medical waste. Hopefully this is not still the case. I was astounded.
I must say this caught me off guard. I'm a police officer and former paramedic and never came to think about a need such as this. Woodworking is my true passion and thanks to you I have a new project...or several! Good work on your channel, your creativity and for spreading the word.
Everything about this particular video of yours was very special. I have passed it on to my woodworking friends, one of which is the woodcraft leader for a large 4-H club in SoCal. There is no better pastime than service to others and especially children under these special circumstances. You've made everyone proud of you.
Thank you Brian, I really appreciate it. The organization received a good amount of urns after I published my video, but they need more throughout the year so if you could share it, it would be really helpful.
The tiny blanket was such a precious touch. Thank you for doing this. In our throw away, abort away society, this will make a difference. As a Roman Catholic, we have certain acts that we are told by Our Lord should be done to show our love one for another. One of the acts of Mercy is the burial of the dead. I will pass this along to those in my parish who wood work so that they can obey Our Lord in this manner. Thanks for sharing. I went to the Garden of Innocence site and read about who they are.
I live in an apartment, so I can't woodwork, but I can crochet. I read on their site that the little blankets should be 8 X 8 inches square. That is simple to do and a fast project. I'll see what I have for appropriate yarns and see what I can make. Thank you for the information April. I saved the site in my Pinterest account.
Awesome job April, I can tell by your breaking voice that this project and organization really touches your heart and means a great deal to you. There is no better use of your talent then aiding a child. The urn you made was beautiful. Regards, Bob
Thank you Bob. Yes, children and animals are a soft spot of mine because they really are just innocences. A young child passing of natural causes is sad in itself, but when I think of the circumstances that most of these children passed and then the places they are discarded, it just utterly breaks my heart.
Now that video brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat, It make you think of the unthinkable. Thanks April and Bob for a very touching video. Stevie
I want to begin by saying that your videos are an inspiration. In my opinion, you are the physical manifestation of what all amateur woodworkers should/could be. You're fun, perky, cute and not afraid to NOT Take yourself too seriously. I seldom (almost never?) comment on videos, but yours inspire me. I've got something on the order of 150 videos to my credit, and I've come a long way in 3-4 years of my own casting. I've tried many ways of altering my style with varying degrees of success. That said, I've got a lot to learn from you. You are truly a beautiful, amazing person. You're example has lead me to the decision to batching these wonderful creations on my (future) CNC router and shipping them “ready to assemble” in large boxes. This is a truly amazing cause, and having watched every one of your videos in an afternoon, you've given me something to smile about today. Bless you for that. However, more important than making me smile, bless you for your thoughtfulness and consideration in this project, and thank you for bringing it to my attention. One of my siblings died at only 5 days old, and my heart bleeds for those infants who, snuffed out before they could even live, aren't even laid to rest as they ought to be. You've inspired me, and I hope that we can collaborate in future projects. Please hit me up, if you like, and I'd like to work with you in some of my own projects. I will be developing a series of woodworking videos on my own channel this fall, and it would be a privilege to associate my digital personality with yours. I have Aspergers, also dyslexic (among a variety of other challenges), and you give myself and others like us hope. Greetings from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Don't ever stop smiling, and keep up the fabulous work. - Robin
April, twenty-eight years ago today, my wife gave birth to our firstborn, a daughter who died in the seventh month of pregnancy. My wife carried the baby for one week after the doctor confirmed that she was dead. In the context of this, it never occurred to either of us that we would need to make burial arrangements for our daughter. We were shocked when, after delivery, the nurse told us so. Finding and watching this video today brought back a flood of memories. Each year my wife and I visit the grave of our daughter and are happy that we made the decisions we made. God bless The Garden of Innocence for the work they do, and God bless you for doing this build and video so that I could see it today of all days.
+Daniel Way Many blessings of peace and comfort for your and your family. I am so sorry for your precious loss. Am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Wow, THAT day of all days, exactly 28 years ago. God bless you!
Hi April and thank you for posting this video. I shared this with my brother-in-law and he along with a friend made 50 of the wooden urns as shown in the video. Additionally a local cabinet shop were moved by the purpose of the project and donated the material for the ones built. My brother-in-law's friend was able to enlist the help of the Art Department of one of the local high schools to do the painting and stenciling for the urns. This high school's woodworking class took to the project and plan to build 50 more urns. Thought you might be pleased with the domino effect of this video. Best regards. George R.
This was a hard video for me to watch. I can only imagine how painfully hard it must have been for you to produce. God bless the children and God bless you. I would like to help.
I'll see at the post office how much it'll be to send one across. As said before, the emotional connection of this project was obvious. Great job, both with the reasons and the publicity.
I will definitely be active in the cause! I already printed off the plans and checked out there website! I noticed that they are based in Carlsbad, Ca.! They are only about 40min away from me so this may be something I may be active in for as long as they need!! Thanks April for sharing this, I was actually getting ready to start looking into charities to donate projects or earnings from projects.......but I think this one is perfect!!
I'm all in @ 6'2"-275 lbs. I'll pass this on to a few of my buddies that will be honored to make a few as well. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us. Your project gave me a big ol lump in my throat.........May He always protect you!
Thank you for this project and making me aware of the need. I’ll be contributing and doubt that anything I’ve made in 58 years of woodworking will mean as much to me.
Hi April, we totally love your video. It is helping alot. So far we have received 15 urns but problem is we just got 7 babies for our garden in San Francisco and 3 coming to our newest Garden in Ventura/Santa Barbara. So ten already spoken for. Good news is that some of your fellow woodworkers want to help us start a garden of Innocence in their area, so the blessings are unfolding. Every woodworkers that sends us an urn (s) is given a chance to name a future baby coming to a garden.
Thank you ! I could not imagine anyone, child or adult cast aside in their final moments to be all alone and forgotten. I'm close to the Rochester NY chapter and will contact them. Keep making things and sawdust. Let me know if you ever need anything, I've been at this 43 years.
This is amazing! I am the father of a still-born son and we have had two miscarriages after our stillborn son. My father-in-law made an urn for our children and a memory box. I do woodcarving so I carved their names and religious images into them. My wife knits, so she made them each a blanket to bury them with. I am going to try and make an urn for this group and ask my wife to make or donate some of her blankets. Thanks for making us aware of this organization.
I just want to take a second and say thank you for making a 55 year old man cry...seriously thank you for bringing awareness to something very few have ever thought of. I have been in touch with the garden of innocence people and will be helping in a small way once I can get back in my shop. My wife is working on blankets already
Thank You for the work you do, I am in tears watching this video, having lost a Child myself, although older at the time, ALL Children need a proper burial, Love You and Thank You
april, I am new to your site and have been touched. I am a preacher and fellow Texas wood worker, I will be glad to help and my prayers are with you and all those involved Lord bless
Absolutely wonderful service you are providing for a very sad reality. I'm going to get on the web and see what I can do to help. I am new to woodworking, less than a year, but have already made 2 box urns for people in my family. I can certainly help out the organization and kudos to you for bringing this to our attention. Thank you so much!! God bless.
I don't have a lot of time to give, but I will give every bit I can for this! Thank you for bringing this chance to help out to light. Truly heart touching.
We lost a son at 3 months old, 2 days before Christmas. I can not even imagine a child not having the love of a parent with them during this time. I will begin making urns today and telling everyone I know about this site.
Thanks April for bringing this to our attention. These little children really deserve better. Count on me to help out also. I love woodworking and would be honored to do this. Love in God's name.
Hi April. This is a wonderful cause. I *love* the paint job. The video was spot on. I challenge any burly woodworker to keep a dry eye. Also, Nicki has a new fan. Such a beautiful voice.
long time watcher but never commented, this video bought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat, beautiful and respectful vid and the end result, amazing...
I just spent some time on their website to educate myself. I viewed the photo gallery and if there's any one person that can get through it without having a tear come up, I challenge you to build one for this cause. You will certainly change! This is truly what America is all about! We can make a difference.
Very touching heartfelt video, I loved the rendition of this song, I've played and sang this song many times myself, it's one of my favorites. You have a very good heart young lady, and it shows in your work. You will never go wrong helping someone, in this case a place to put the last remains of a blessed little child. Suffer the little children to come unto me Jesus says. God Bless you dear Mark
Hi April This brought tears to my and my wife's eyes. As we live in the UK I think the cost of sending Urns would be prohibitive so we will just donate through PayPal instead. Thanks for your videos most enjoyable keep them coming.
Sorry I have managed to watch all your video but this one, I was fine till the music. I lost my grandfather recently and its all a bit too fresh! It's humbling to know there are still people on this planet with a heart, you should be proud!
It's amazing how oblivious we can be in our lives, the need for this type of service wouldn't have crossed my mind. Thank you for bringing the spotlight to this organization. I'm definitely going to help out! I love your channel, keep up the excellent work! Shout out to +Drunkenwoodworker for sharing your channel.
Wow, April. Wonderful video for a great cause. I made a dog coffin for our Rusty a few months back and was sad at doing that. I had no idea there was such a need for abandoned children. Your project is just not made from wood, glue and paint. You poured your own soul into it.
Your kind gesture here has motivated many to support the cause. Reminds me of a relevant quote, "What you do in life echoes in eternity." You did something pretty special here that will have a lasting influence. Well done.
The video and your heart that you placed in it was wonderful. After reading some of the comments, you find yourself even more broken. The Woodworking Community is incredible. Thank you April for putting this up. I know that everyone in this community will be making an effort to help the least of these more. I wonder how many other organization exist around the country and our community that do this same thing? Once I get the tears out of my eyes, I will have to take a look around my area.
I came to your channel via The Wood Whisper's channel. It brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for helping me to do something good with a mere hobby. I will be sending off some urns soon.
i cant tell you how grateful i am you shared this with us..i had no idea this was needed...i will be getting myself and family out to the shop to create a loving resting place for these little ones... :-( :-) thank you again april.
I am speechless, I had no clue that there was a need for such an organization. I am glad that you made this video to bring it to our attention. I do believe that I have found what my next build is going to be..... I will also post this to try to help get the word out in the South East.
Very worthy cause! My Father passed in November 2012. I made his urn. Was extremely difficult but also an honor. Nice work and very worthy cause! I should be able to help out also! Will check into it right away! Regards Chris
Thanks for the update. Semantics aside, this is still a very noble cause. 'abandon' is a very powerful and subjective word so I can see how people's interpretation may cause scepticism. That said, if a parent has chosen that making those arrangements is beyond their strength at such a tragic time, or that they have managed to find a way to cope without burial or cremation then who are we to judge them? A group who ensure those babies get a respectful service is doing good work. Period.
I lost my Dad January 1/19 and 2 weeks ago my wife lost her brother. Too much death. I was looking for a plan to build an urn for my Dad's ashes that we are going to bury. Thank-you April for bringing to light this organization. I will check out if there is a similar organization here in Manitoba. It breaks my heart that such an organization needs to exist. That there is no value for human life.
The video, the music, the cause... an emotional moment. As I wrote you in a privat message, I know a lady carpenter who does exactly this as a profession, mostly small childrens coffins. How hard it must be to talk to parents about their wishes regarding a coffin for their child. It really is a shame that an organization like this needs to be there. It took years before an organization in the Netherlands got a permit to install "baby boxes". Yes, box where a mother can leave her newborn child if for any reason she won't or can't take care of it. The boxes have camera's, an alarm system connected to a team of voluntary nurses, doctors etc. These baby's survive. It doesn't happen that often, maybe once a month but if the boxes wouldn't be there, they'd probably left at some hidden place. I do hope Garden of Innocence will be supported as much as possible to do this difficult job. They'll be needed as long as poverty, drugs, guns and rape related abortions aren't subjects of taboe. Your video could be a great influence on the support for Garden of Innocence, as obviously seen in all the comments you got.
This is so sad, actually made me cry. You do so many wonderful things but this will stay in my memory the most. True respect to you April, you are a wonderful person.
The Unclouded Day is beautiful, sounds like Appalachian (i.e., Scots-Irish) folk music. So much of that music deals with a hard life full of terrible tragedy, the only hope being for a better life in the next world. It's so appropriate for this heart-wrenching situation. You and Nicki are a ray of sunshine.
Wow, what a wonderful way to do good with our hobby. Easy to see how much this means to you April, thanks for sharing it with us. Don't know that I can build anything right away, but I'll surely share this video for you. Very touching.
Beautiful build. As a father of three kids, I would never want to have to use this. The tinkerbell and Peter pan was a beautiful addition. excuse me, in need to grab a tissue now. Awesome project
Another Great idea to help others.Just to make folks aware most lumber yards will donate the wood for these urns, and caskets. So if you don't have the funds you can still use your skills as a woodworker to help out. I'm startin on mine today. Thanks April
After seeing this what can you say. It is so sad to know that someone can be that desperate to do this. I live in Australia and will try and spread the word about this organisation and maybe get some financial assistance as i am assuming they are a charity. A big thankyou for sharing this with us and seeing the emotion you had whilst making the urn. God bless you all.
Thanks for posting this April. I have emailed the Garden of Innocence to see if I would be able to become involved in any way possible from Canada. What a special group of people I have had the privilege to meet in the woodworking community.
Thank you so much for doing this video. It's starting to get around quickly! Sad as it is to say, I hope your video will supply more than what they need.
I hesitated to watch this given the title and had a hard time watching it. You've got a good heart and the organization is a great thing bless you all for your talents and dedication more than anything the awareness you are creating.
April Sadly I need to make an urn for a 17 boy that was killed in a car accident, I really like this design. What router bit did you use? I looked up the plans but did not see what router bit used. Thank you
Thanks so much April for making us aware of this .... I'd never thought this was something happening to this extent. I'll be helping as much as possible when I get the plans Nat
Thank you for this video, I am a nomad with no home at this moment. I will have one by Spring with a shop so I will be able to ake one of these for my son who passed away last year due to an opioid overdose. Your story touched my heart.
April, is there a need for the Garden of Innocence Cremation Urns here in Arlington/Fort Worth? There is a photo of an urn I made for a friend on Facebook,
It is simply amazing (or divine intervention) what you run across while on youtube. I would be honored to help with this. I am a novice woodworker mind you but I have the desire to learn and the family history to know I can do it. What a amazing organization. It's very sad to me that a need for this organization even exists but bless you for bringing it to folks attention. Best wishes.
I hadn't ever heard of this organization before thank you for shining a light on it. Its upsetting and heavy on the heart to think and that an organization like this is even needed saddening in its own right. I have every intention to put something together as I'm sure many others will or have already and will be sharing your video itself on my own hoping it gains more support.
April Wilkerson kind of a random update. I shred your video on my Facebook with a number of my friends and family. Along with my own I have a few people that will be participants also and a few more that don't have the means to make one so they are funding theirs I'll be building it and they can put their own personal touches on them. I also found that there is a garden of innocence in st. Louis which is about 2 2/2 hours south of me so myself and a few others were contemplating hand delivering them to that particular office if at all possible. Thanks again for sharing this, just thought you deserved to know your video and build is making an impact
April, I don't know if you saw this, but on the site it says that Home Depot and Lowe's will donate the wood, all you have to do is ask. I will ask my local Menards if they will do the same for this organization.
Oh this really made me cry! So touching. Thanks for sharing April. So very thoughtful of you to do. I would gladly help in a heartbeat if I had the tools that require to make these but I only have a scroll saw. I will pass on the info though to a friend who may be able to help out. Again, thanks for posting! ~Michelle
Thanks for the post--it's saddens me to think that there's a need for this organization, but I'm glad to help. I've got three in production right now. I'll post a picture to you so you can see what you started!
This is something, you wish that woundn't be needed. Last Oct my mother in law passed and I made her urn. It has been on my mind for several years about buiding wooden caskets and urns, to provide familys with a cheaper but dignified choice in thier time of need.I will be also getting involved. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. May god bless you.
This had better make the next roundup! Wow, the cause goes without saying, but the production here was also amazing, just the right amount of everything. Thank you!
Every other project in the shop and around the house just got put on hold. Think I'll show this to my three kids, 18, 15 and 12 and have them each design and build one too, just as soon as I get this sawdust outta my eye... Seems like not only a great cause but an amazing teaching opportunity as well. Ps: Is that an Air Force logo on your shirt? If so, where did you get the shirt? I'm always looking for Air Force shirts hats as I'm an Air Force veteran. Thank you for bringing this to my/our attention, I'll boost the signal on my FB page...
There is no words. :/ At first I didn't realized the essence and the cause (because English isn't my mother tongue), but when I saw the ending I must had to watch it again to understand it wholly. Thank You for the sharing, I learned something about the World again. (And of course about You.) Cheers from Hungary, Europe
Man it makes me so sad that a service like this is even needed. But one thing I've learned about the woodworking community is the they are at their best when building something for a good cause. So thanks for bringing this to our attention April. I'll spread the word too.
So sad. I'm curious to know why or how so many kids are unidentified.
Hi Arnold Amor From reading the organization's website I was under the impression that "abandoned and unidentified child" meant a child that was born and then left somewhere to die. Or maybe was killed and left somewhere such as a trash can. And while they do get those cases, I just found out that the organization also claims stillborn babies that are left with the hospital by parents that do not claim them and provide a burial. I think this information should be provided on their website, but I still support the cause at the end of the day. In my opinion, it's still a child that deserves to have a name and be given a burial instead of cremated and placed in a mass grave nameless. Just my opinion though.The Wood Whisperer Thank you Marc. I'm blown away by the response, this community is amazing.
I agree with you. I would think people would want their still born babies and give them names and burials, but I guess it goes into that fetus, abortion like debate which I'm not looking to stir up. Amazing, I just didn't know.
Arnold Amor When we asked when our stillborn baby was going to be released to be buried the hospital was surprised. They said most people do not claim the bodies so they are disposed of as medical waste. Hopefully this is not still the case. I was astounded.
I built 2 and having a friend and her daughter decorate them. Thank you for sharing this sawdust and tears mixed on this build for sure.
I must say this caught me off guard. I'm a police officer and former paramedic and never came to think about a need such as this. Woodworking is my true passion and thanks to you I have a new project...or several! Good work on your channel, your creativity and for spreading the word.
Everything about this particular video of yours was very special. I have passed it on to my woodworking friends, one of which is the woodcraft leader for a large 4-H club in SoCal. There is no better pastime than service to others and especially children under these special circumstances. You've made everyone proud of you.
Thank you Brian, I really appreciate it. The organization received a good amount of urns after I published my video, but they need more throughout the year so if you could share it, it would be really helpful.
The tiny blanket was such a precious touch. Thank you for doing this. In our throw away, abort away society, this will make a difference. As a Roman Catholic, we have certain acts that we are told by Our Lord should be done to show our love one for another. One of the acts of Mercy is the burial of the dead. I will pass this along to those in my parish who wood work so that they can obey Our Lord in this manner. Thanks for sharing. I went to the Garden of Innocence site and read about who they are.
I live in an apartment, so I can't woodwork, but I can crochet. I read on their site that the little blankets should be 8 X 8 inches square. That is simple to do and a fast project. I'll see what I have for appropriate yarns and see what I can make.
Thank you for the information April. I saved the site in my Pinterest account.
Mother Teresa once said" The worst feeling one can, have is not poverty or sickness, but to be unwanted and unloved." Good job April!
Awesome job April,
I can tell by your breaking voice that this project and organization really touches your heart and means a great deal to you. There is no better use of your talent then aiding a child.
The urn you made was beautiful.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you Bob. Yes, children and animals are a soft spot of mine because they really are just innocences. A young child passing of natural causes is sad in itself, but when I think of the circumstances that most of these children passed and then the places they are discarded, it just utterly breaks my heart.
Now that video brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat, It make you think of the unthinkable. Thanks April and Bob for a very touching video.
Stevie
Wonderful video! Made me cry. You will find me helping out too. This really humbles you. God is with you April. Thank You!!!
Great job you are doing but that one broke my heart.
Rock-n H Woodshop Thanks for helping Drew. : )
My pleasure and thank you for bringing this to us!
I want to begin by saying that your videos are an inspiration. In my opinion, you are the physical manifestation of what all amateur woodworkers should/could be. You're fun, perky, cute and not afraid to NOT Take yourself too seriously. I seldom (almost never?) comment on videos, but yours inspire me. I've got something on the order of 150 videos to my credit, and I've come a long way in 3-4 years of my own casting. I've tried many ways of altering my style with varying degrees of success. That said, I've got a lot to learn from you.
You are truly a beautiful, amazing person. You're example has lead me to the decision to batching these wonderful creations on my (future) CNC router and shipping them “ready to assemble” in large boxes. This is a truly amazing cause, and having watched every one of your videos in an afternoon, you've given me something to smile about today. Bless you for that. However, more important than making me smile, bless you for your thoughtfulness and consideration in this project, and thank you for bringing it to my attention. One of my siblings died at only 5 days old, and my heart bleeds for those infants who, snuffed out before they could even live, aren't even laid to rest as they ought to be.
You've inspired me, and I hope that we can collaborate in future projects. Please hit me up, if you like, and I'd like to work with you in some of my own projects. I will be developing a series of woodworking videos on my own channel this fall, and it would be a privilege to associate my digital personality with yours.
I have Aspergers, also dyslexic (among a variety of other challenges), and you give myself and others like us hope. Greetings from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Don't ever stop smiling, and keep up the fabulous work.
- Robin
April, twenty-eight years ago today, my wife gave birth to our firstborn, a daughter who died in the seventh month of pregnancy. My wife carried the baby for one week after the doctor confirmed that she was dead. In the context of this, it never occurred to either of us that we would need to make burial arrangements for our daughter. We were shocked when, after delivery, the nurse told us so.
Finding and watching this video today brought back a flood of memories. Each year my wife and I visit the grave of our daughter and are happy that we made the decisions we made.
God bless The Garden of Innocence for the work they do, and God bless you for doing this build and video so that I could see it today of all days.
+Daniel Way Many blessings of peace and comfort for your and your family. I am so sorry for your precious loss. Am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Wow, THAT day of all days, exactly 28 years ago. God bless you!
At a loss for words that such a service is needed. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this April,
I'll turn some urns, and share this.
Take care,
Carl
That's wonderful Carl. The founder said they can be any shape and size as long as they fit into the vault which is H=10" W=9" L=13". Thank you.
Hi April and thank you for posting this video. I shared this with my brother-in-law and he along with a friend made 50 of the wooden urns as shown in the video. Additionally a local cabinet shop were moved by the purpose of the project and donated the material for the ones built. My brother-in-law's friend was able to enlist the help of the Art Department of one of the local high schools to do the painting and stenciling for the urns. This high school's woodworking class took to the project and plan to build 50 more urns. Thought you might be pleased with the domino effect of this video. Best regards. George R.
Thank you for sharing this video April and making us aware of this need. Very well done! I will be making some too.
That's great, thank you Steve. : )
This was a hard video for me to watch. I can only imagine how painfully hard it must have been for you to produce. God bless the children and God bless you. I would like to help.
Will try to help out April,liked the video,THANKS for the info.
Dave Pelcher AMEN GODBLESS
I'll see at the post office how much it'll be to send one across.
As said before, the emotional connection of this project was obvious.
Great job, both with the reasons and the publicity.
I will definitely be active in the cause! I already printed off the plans and checked out there website! I noticed that they are based in Carlsbad, Ca.! They are only about 40min away from me so this may be something I may be active in for as long as they need!! Thanks April for sharing this, I was actually getting ready to start looking into charities to donate projects or earnings from projects.......but I think this one is perfect!!
: ) Thank you for helping. That is wonderful that they are so close to you.
This ought to be a "challenge" of sorts for the TH-cam woodworking community.
Beautiful video, April. Thank you.
I'm all in @ 6'2"-275 lbs. I'll pass this on to a few of my buddies that will be honored to make a few as well. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us. Your project gave me a big ol lump in my throat.........May He always protect you!
Thank you for helping. : )
Thank you for this project and making me aware of the need. I’ll be contributing and doubt that anything I’ve made in 58 years of woodworking will mean as much to me.
Hi April, we totally love your video. It is helping alot. So far we have received 15 urns but problem is we just got 7 babies for our garden in San Francisco and 3 coming to our newest Garden in Ventura/Santa Barbara. So ten already spoken for. Good news is that some of your fellow woodworkers want to help us start a garden of Innocence in their area, so the blessings are unfolding.
Every woodworkers that sends us an urn (s) is given a chance to name a future baby coming to a garden.
Thank you !
I could not imagine anyone, child or adult cast aside in their final moments to be all alone and forgotten.
I'm close to the Rochester NY chapter and will contact them.
Keep making things and sawdust. Let me know if you ever need anything, I've been at this 43 years.
This is amazing! I am the father of a still-born son and we have had two miscarriages after our stillborn son. My father-in-law made an urn for our children and a memory box. I do woodcarving so I carved their names and religious images into them. My wife knits, so she made them each a blanket to bury them with. I am going to try and make an urn for this group and ask my wife to make or donate some of her blankets. Thanks for making us aware of this organization.
+jtalexiv Many prayers of peace and comfort for you. I am so sorry for your precious losses. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
My wife makes quilts, blankets and all kinds of things and I am a woodworker....We are so going to help. Thank you for posting this video April.
That is so great to hear. Thank you for helping.
I just want to take a second and say thank you for making a 55 year old man cry...seriously thank you for bringing awareness to something very few have ever thought of. I have been in touch with the garden of innocence people and will be helping in a small way once I can get back in my shop. My wife is working on blankets already
Thank You for the work you do, I am in tears watching this video, having lost a Child myself, although older at the time, ALL Children need a proper burial, Love You and Thank You
april, I am new to your site and have been touched. I am a preacher and fellow Texas wood worker, I will be glad to help and my prayers are with you and all those involved Lord bless
What a moving video for such a special Occassion and it showed April. Well done
I will be making this a regular project for me. Thank you April for finding this and bringing it to our attention.
Absolutely wonderful service you are providing for a very sad reality. I'm going to get on the web and see what I can do to help. I am new to woodworking, less than a year, but have already made 2 box urns for people in my family. I can certainly help out the organization and kudos to you for bringing this to our attention. Thank you so much!! God bless.
April, thanks you for your inspiring video of compassion and mercy. God bless you.
I don't have a lot of time to give, but I will give every bit I can for this! Thank you for bringing this chance to help out to light. Truly heart touching.
We lost a son at 3 months old, 2 days before Christmas. I can not even imagine a child not having the love of a parent with them during this time. I will begin making urns today and telling everyone I know about this site.
: / I'm so sorry for you loss. Hug. Thank you for helping.
sorry for your loss,i pray the lord will ease your pain.. glad to see so many helping.
i plan to get started soon godbless
Thank you!
Thanks April for bringing this to our attention. These little children really deserve better. Count on me to help out also. I love woodworking and would be honored to do this. Love in God's name.
Hi April. This is a wonderful cause. I *love* the paint job. The video was spot on. I challenge any burly woodworker to keep a dry eye. Also, Nicki has a new fan. Such a beautiful voice.
I am a burly woodworker who has never before cried at a TH-cam video... Until now. Rest in peace to whichever child finds their final home in this.
Jim Fancher Thanks Jim. Yes, Nicki has the voice and heart of an angel. She is also the one that made the blanket shown at the end.
Benvolio Foster Same here bud!
long time watcher but never commented, this video bought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat, beautiful and respectful vid and the end result, amazing...
I just spent some time on their website to educate myself. I viewed the photo gallery and if there's any one person that can get through it without having a tear come up, I challenge you to build one for this cause. You will certainly change! This is truly what America is all about! We can make a difference.
Very touching heartfelt video, I loved the rendition of this song, I've played and sang this song many times myself, it's one of my favorites.
You have a very good heart young lady, and it shows in your work. You will never go wrong helping someone, in this case a place to put the last remains of a blessed little child. Suffer the little children to come unto me Jesus says.
God Bless you dear
Mark
Hi April
This brought tears to my and my wife's eyes.
As we live in the UK I think the cost of sending Urns would be prohibitive so we will just donate through PayPal instead.
Thanks for your videos most enjoyable keep them coming.
Totally great that you have done this .
So moving to read through the comments.
Massive respect from England.
Never knew this service existed....I'm so glad I followed this rabbit hole here and happy to see the work you provide.
Sorry I have managed to watch all your video but this one, I was fine till the music. I lost my grandfather recently and its all a bit too fresh! It's humbling to know there are still people on this planet with a heart, you should be proud!
How can people be so inconsiderate to give this the thumbs down. They are giving their time, energy and devotion for free. Have a heart, they have
Hi April. may you be blessed.
As many others have also said: thanks for sharing this
Thank you so much for your help for the nameless and innocents!
It's amazing how oblivious we can be in our lives, the need for this type of service wouldn't have crossed my mind. Thank you for bringing the spotlight to this organization. I'm definitely going to help out!
I love your channel, keep up the excellent work! Shout out to +Drunkenwoodworker for sharing your channel.
Totally unaware of the need until now. Thank you April for sharing this with us. I'll be helping out also.
Wow, April. Wonderful video for a great cause. I made a dog coffin for our Rusty a few months back and was sad at doing that. I had no idea there was such a need for abandoned children. Your project is just not made from wood, glue and paint. You poured your own soul into it.
Thanks April. I'm in.
God bless you for bringing this to our attention.
Thank you for helping
Your kind gesture here has motivated many to support the cause. Reminds me of a relevant quote, "What you do in life echoes in eternity." You did something pretty special here that will have a lasting influence. Well done.
Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.
The video and your heart that you placed in it was wonderful. After reading some of the comments, you find yourself even more broken. The Woodworking Community is incredible. Thank you April for putting this up. I know that everyone in this community will be making an effort to help the least of these more. I wonder how many other organization exist around the country and our community that do this same thing? Once I get the tears out of my eyes, I will have to take a look around my area.
I came to your channel via The Wood Whisper's channel. It brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for helping me to do something good with a mere hobby. I will be sending off some urns soon.
i cant tell you how grateful i am you shared this with us..i had no idea this was needed...i will be getting myself and family out to the shop to create a loving resting place for these little ones... :-( :-)
thank you again april.
I am speechless, I had no clue that there was a need for such an organization. I am glad that you made this video to bring it to our attention. I do believe that I have found what my next build is going to be..... I will also post this to try to help get the word out in the South East.
.... you had me in tears... Beautiful urn, and thanks for sharing and caring...
I went straight to hug my children. Strong stuff there April. Beautiful project and beautiful voice. Cherish the moment, have a nice weekend.
Very worthy cause! My Father passed in November 2012. I made his urn. Was extremely difficult but also an honor. Nice work and very worthy cause! I should be able to help out also! Will check into it right away!
Regards Chris
Thanks for the update. Semantics aside, this is still a very noble cause. 'abandon' is a very powerful and subjective word so I can see how people's interpretation may cause scepticism. That said, if a parent has chosen that making those arrangements is beyond their strength at such a tragic time, or that they have managed to find a way to cope without burial or cremation then who are we to judge them? A group who ensure those babies get a respectful service is doing good work. Period.
Yes I agree Cole. Regardless of the reasons, the end result is a baby that needs a loving burial and this organization is giving it to them.
I lost my Dad January 1/19 and 2 weeks ago my wife lost her brother. Too much death. I was looking for a plan to build an urn for my Dad's ashes that we are going to bury. Thank-you April for bringing to light this organization. I will check out if there is a similar organization here in Manitoba. It breaks my heart that such an organization needs to exist. That there is no value for human life.
You made me cry just listing to the chatter in your voice. I will be sending them a few, thanks for getting the word out!
The video, the music, the cause... an emotional moment. As I wrote you in a privat message, I know a lady carpenter who does exactly this as a profession, mostly small childrens coffins. How hard it must be to talk to parents about their wishes regarding a coffin for their child. It really is a shame that an organization like this needs to be there. It took years before an organization in the Netherlands got a permit to install "baby boxes". Yes, box where a mother can leave her newborn child if for any reason she won't or can't take care of it. The boxes have camera's, an alarm system connected to a team of voluntary nurses, doctors etc.
These baby's survive. It doesn't happen that often, maybe once a month but if the boxes wouldn't be there, they'd probably left at some hidden place.
I do hope Garden of Innocence will be supported as much as possible to do this difficult job. They'll be needed as long as poverty, drugs, guns and rape related abortions aren't subjects of taboe. Your video could be a great influence on the support for Garden of Innocence, as obviously seen in all the comments you got.
This is so sad, actually made me cry. You do so many wonderful things but this will stay in my memory the most. True respect to you April, you are a wonderful person.
Thank you. Yes, this is one of the most meaningful projects I've done. Thank you for watching.
Thank you April for making us aware of the cause .
Steve
GOD BLESS YOUR HEART! "SUFFER NOT THE LITTLE CHILDREN!" EXCELLENT WORK..."YOU WILL KNOW THE TREE BY THE FRUIT IT BRINGS FORTH!"
The Unclouded Day is beautiful, sounds like Appalachian (i.e., Scots-Irish) folk music. So much of that music deals with a hard life full of terrible tragedy, the only hope being for a better life in the next world. It's so appropriate for this heart-wrenching situation. You and Nicki are a ray of sunshine.
Great video and cause April. Thank you for sharing the info.
I'lly be sending a couple urns out to them once I wrap up my current project.
Wonderful, thank you so much for helping. : )
Wow, what a wonderful way to do good with our hobby. Easy to see how much this means to you April, thanks for sharing it with us. Don't know that I can build anything right away, but I'll surely share this video for you. Very touching.
Beautiful build. As a father of three kids, I would never want to have to use this. The tinkerbell and Peter pan was a beautiful addition. excuse me, in need to grab a tissue now.
Awesome project
does it have to be made with pine, or is other wood ok?
***** : ) Any way you want to make it is fine. If you want to use another wood, then use it. Thanks for helping.
Very touching video April - I think I just found our scout troops service project for summer. thanks for raising awareness on this.
Thanks for sharing April. Your video had me crying from the first minute. You are an angel in the woodworking community.
Thanks April. I passed on this video and already made several of these for our local group.
Another Great idea to help others.Just to make folks aware most lumber yards will donate the wood for these urns, and caskets. So if you don't have the funds you can still use your skills as a woodworker to help out. I'm startin on mine today. Thanks April
: ) Thank you for helping.
After seeing this what can you say. It is so sad to know that someone can be that desperate to do this. I live in Australia and will try and spread the word about this organisation and maybe get some financial assistance as i am assuming they are a charity.
A big thankyou for sharing this with us and seeing the emotion you had whilst making the urn. God bless you all.
Thanks for posting this April. I have emailed the Garden of Innocence to see if I would be able to become involved in any way possible from Canada. What a special group of people I have had the privilege to meet in the woodworking community.
Thank you for directing us all to this April.
Thank you so much for doing this video. It's starting to get around quickly! Sad as it is to say, I hope your video will supply more than what they need.
I hesitated to watch this given the title and had a hard time watching it. You've got a good heart and the organization is a great thing bless you all for your talents and dedication more than anything the awareness you are creating.
April Sadly I need to make an urn for a 17 boy that was killed in a car accident, I really like this design. What router bit did you use? I looked up the plans but did not see what router bit used. Thank you
Wonderful work April - thank you.
Thanks so much April for making us aware of this .... I'd never thought this was something happening to this extent. I'll be helping as much as possible when I get the plans
Nat
Thanks for sharing. Wood working videos don't normaly bring tears to my eyes. Love the urn and the Peter Pan silhouettes.
What a very nice idea! Blessings to those that offer help.
Thank you for this video, I am a nomad with no home at this moment. I will have one by Spring with a shop so I will be able to ake one of these for my son who passed away last year due to an opioid overdose. Your story touched my heart.
April, is there a need for the Garden of Innocence Cremation Urns here in Arlington/Fort Worth? There is a photo of an urn I made for a friend on Facebook,
Just letting you know that 2 urns will be shipped tomorrow.
I will see about helping. Thanks for sharing!
It is simply amazing (or divine intervention) what you run across while on youtube. I would be honored to help with this. I am a novice woodworker mind you but I have the desire to learn and the family history to know I can do it. What a amazing organization. It's very sad to me that a need for this organization even exists but bless you for bringing it to folks attention. Best wishes.
April; Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Count me in starting this weekend
I hadn't ever heard of this organization before thank you for shining a light on it. Its upsetting and heavy on the heart to think and that an organization like this is even needed saddening in its own right. I have every intention to put something together as I'm sure many others will or have already and will be sharing your video itself on my own hoping it gains more support.
Thank you Travis, I appreciate it.
April Wilkerson kind of a random update. I shred your video on my Facebook with a number of my friends and family. Along with my own I have a few people that will be participants also and a few more that don't have the means to make one so they are funding theirs I'll be building it and they can put their own personal touches on them. I also found that there is a garden of innocence in st. Louis which is about 2 2/2 hours south of me so myself and a few others were contemplating hand delivering them to that particular office if at all possible. Thanks again for sharing this, just thought you deserved to know your video and build is making an impact
This is amazing... As soon as I get my table saw, this will be my first project! That you for posting this!
That's wonderful, thank you so much.
April, I don't know if you saw this, but on the site it says that Home Depot and Lowe's will donate the wood, all you have to do is ask. I will ask my local Menards if they will do the same for this organization.
Oh this really made me cry! So touching. Thanks for sharing April. So very thoughtful of you to do. I would gladly help in a heartbeat if I had the tools that require to make these but I only have a scroll saw. I will pass on the info though to a friend who may be able to help out. Again, thanks for posting! ~Michelle
A very worthy cause. Thank You for sharing April.
Thanks for the post--it's saddens me to think that there's a need for this organization, but I'm glad to help. I've got three in production right now. I'll post a picture to you so you can see what you started!
Three! : ) Thank you so much for helping George.
This is something, you wish that woundn't be needed. Last Oct my mother in law passed and I made her urn. It has been on my mind for several years about buiding wooden caskets and urns, to provide familys with a cheaper but dignified choice in thier time of need.I will be also getting involved. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. May god bless you.
This had better make the next roundup! Wow, the cause goes without saying, but the production here was also amazing, just the right amount of everything. Thank you!
Every other project in the shop and around the house just got put on hold. Think I'll show this to my three kids, 18, 15 and 12 and have them each design and build one too, just as soon as I get this sawdust outta my eye... Seems like not only a great cause but an amazing teaching opportunity as well.
Ps: Is that an Air Force logo on your shirt? If so, where did you get the shirt? I'm always looking for Air Force shirts hats as I'm an Air Force veteran.
Thank you for bringing this to my/our attention, I'll boost the signal on my FB page...
There is no words. :/
At first I didn't realized the essence and the cause (because English isn't my mother tongue), but when I saw the ending I must had to watch it again to understand it wholly.
Thank You for the sharing, I learned something about the World again. (And of course about You.)
Cheers from Hungary, Europe