FAQs

  • The Gentle Start Project is a youth-led nonprofit that sends free care packages to children and teens who are entering residential or inpatient eating disorder treatment. Each package is filled with cozy, comforting items and a handwritten note to remind recipients that they’re not alone at the beginning of recovery.

  • If you’re entering treatment (or you know someone who is), you can request a box! We send packages to kids and teens starting residential or inpatient eating disorder treatment. Requests can come from the person in treatment, a parent, or someone on their care team.

  • Nope! Care packages are completely free. Thanks to kind donors and supporters, we’re able to send them at no cost to you or your family.

  • We only ask for the info we need to send your box- like a name and mailing address. That’s it. Everything you share stays private and is used only to make sure your care package gets to you safely.

  • Each Gentle Start box includes a mix of comforting and supportive items, such as fuzzy socks, a journal, a small fidget toy, art or self-care supplies, and a note of encouragement. Every box is unique, but they’re all created with the same purpose: to offer a little peace and support during a difficult time.

  • Just fill out the short form on our website under “Request a Package.” It’s quick and easy, and you can do it for yourself or someone else. We’ll take it from there!

  • We usually send out boxes within about a week of getting your request. It might take a little longer if we’re waiting on supplies, but we’ll always do our best to get your box to you as soon as possible.

  • Absolutely! Parents, therapists, counselors, or friends can all request a box for someone entering treatment. Just be sure to enter the right name and mailing address so it gets to the right place.

  • Right now, we’re only able to ship within the United States. We hope to expand in the future as our project grows!

  • There are lots of ways to help! You can donate through our GoFundMe, share our mission on social media, or follow us on Instagram to spread the word. Every share and donation makes a difference.

  • Yes! We accept donations through our Amazon Wishlist, or you can reach out if you'd like to contribute specific items. Since we curate the boxes carefully, we ask that all donated items be new and approved in advance.

  • We are a youth-led initiative in the early stages of becoming a registered nonprofit. While we are not officially 501(c)(3) yet, all funds go directly toward making and mailing care packages. We are working toward formal status as we grow!