Cape Ivy is a nonprofit in VA that provides warm IV-friendly ponchos to chronically ill children who have leads and ports. Robes, sweaters and jackets don’t work with the lines. Meg Smith, one of the co-founders of Cape Ivy, came up with the poncho solution when her son, Gavin, was 6. Cape Ivy is managed, promoted and sustained by volunteers – no one receives a salary and there are no paid consultants.
Ponchos are provided free to you through the generous donations of our friends, sponsors and grants. The cost to manufacture and deliver ponchos to a hospital is $10/poncho. Any donation to Cape Ivy helps us provide more ponchos to your hospital. Perhaps you have a donor, a hospital foundation or hospital auxiliary that would be willing to help with the cost?
Sizing
The ponchos come in 3 sizes (toddler/child/teen) and in a variety of fun prints.
Recipients
They are best for children with chronic illness who frequent hospitals often or for long stays. We have learned from Child Life Specialists that the ponchos are most useful for the patients being treated in hematology/oncology units and outpatient infusion centers. But any child who needs comforting or warmth may be given a poncho.
Packaging Option
Ponchos are shipped in the vacuum-sealed bags as we receive them from our manufacturer. There are a very few homemade ponchos, which are typically not included in boxes. If your hospital does not allow homemade items, please indicate that. Most hospitals prefer the original manufacturer’s packaging. A box contains 14-16 ponchos.
Request Form
Only the hospital name and an email address is required. Any other information you provide is appreciated and will reduce follow-up email.