Infant Coffin Project

The Infant Coffin Project is a volunteer-led program that was created In collaboration with Empty Arms Bereavement to support financially disadvantaged families in our community who have experienced the misfortune of miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss with a donation of a simple, lovingly handmade coffin. These environmentally-friendly coffins help the community take gentle care of both the family and the earth.

This project gratefully accepts anyone in the community who wishes to help provide care, dignity and compassion to those in need. Please reach out if you or your organization would like to donate time or resources or if you would like to participate in a group-build.

Goals of the Infant Coffin Project:

The Infant Coffin Project provides coffins for families who are unable to afford them. The project is committed to alleviating the financial burden on families while ensuring that every infant receives a proper and respectful farewell.

How You Can Help:

Eligibility and Support Process:

Families in Western Massachusetts that have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss and are facing financial hardship are eligible for a coffin donation through the Infant Coffin Project.

This volunteer-led project gratefully accepts anyone in the community who wishes to help provide care, dignity and compassion to those in need. Please reach out if you or your organization would like to donate time or resources or if you would like to participate in a group-build, which occurs quarterly.

The Infant Coffin Project has been well-received by members of our local community who have provided the following testimonials:

“It’s clear the coffins have been made with loving care.”

Jorge Colon, Puerto Del Cielo Funeral Home

“You are one of the people who brings everything sharply into focus when I feel or see the suffocating weight of the suffering made worse by greed, racism, (all the -isms!), power and capitalism altogether. You are an example of how much one person can make changes by noticing something that’s missing and then working to fill the space with empathy, good intentions, and always considerate of the human beings who are hurting and vulnerable. You are a change-maker. I am in awe of all you do for this community.”

Lisa Hamilton, Empty Arms Bereavement

“The family was stunned to imagine someone they have never met did this for their family.”

Caroline Cotto, La Rosa Funeral Home

You are one of the people who brings everything sharply into focus when I feel or see the suffocating weight of the suffering made worse by greed, racism, (all the isms!), power and capitalism altogether. You are an example of how much one person can make changes by noticing something that’s missing and then working to fill the space with empathy, good intentions, and always considerate of the human beings who are hurting and vulnerable.

The family was stunned to imagine someone they have never met did this for their family.

The coffin was beautiful. It’s clear that it was made with loving care.

Take the Next Step:

To learn more about the Infant Coffin Project, including donation and volunteer opportunities and eligibility requirements, contact Elizabeth Bristow or Empty Arms Bereavement.