'Comfort Boxes' Launched For Families Who Lose Loved One To Overdose

LONG ISLAND, NY — Parents and grandparents who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning or drug overdoses are creating comfort boxes to help families experiencing the same pain they did.

Families in Support of Treatment (F.I.S.T.) has created a box full of comforting items mailed to people who lose a child to drugs. The boxes contain a daily meditation book, teacup, tea, lavender sachet, memory book, painted rock, condolence card, beads made by The BeadingHearts and a list of resources, according to a news release.

"It means a lot to someone to know they are not alone," said Lori Carbonaro, a parent advocate, in a news release. "We hope this small gesture will give some comfort."

Suffolk County loses one person every day to fentanyl poisoning or overdose, according to F.I.S.T..

For those who have recently lost a child to overdose and would like a comfort box sent to them, call Carole Trottere at 631-275-5277. Currently, because of limited resources, the boxes can only be sent to families on Long Island, according to F.I.S.T. F.I.S.T. and Gabriel’s Giving Tree are programs under the umbrella of Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

For more information about F.I.S.T. and Gabriel’s Giving Tree visit here.

"The shock of losing a child to fentanyl poisoning or overdose make up the darkest days one can imagine," F.I.S.T. wrote in a news release. "A group of parents and grandparents who know that pain firsthand want to let those grieving families know that they are not alone."