Ollie’s Footprints holds vigil at Lakeview Park

Despite the chilly and windy weather conditions, Ollie’s Footprints presented the Light the Lake program at Lakeview Park on Oct. 15.

The program provided a way to honor families that have lost a child, according to organizers of the event.

“My husband and I started Ollie’s Footprints in 2016 when we lost our 9-week-old son Ollie,” said Sara Britton, founder of Ollie’s Footprints. “The experience is just a lonely one; there’s no other way to put it.”

Britton said the grief is unparalleled when one loses a child.

“People sent us flowers and their best wishes, but we felt there had to be a better way,” she said. “That is why we started Ollie’s Footprints, because people should be able to receive the right help and support during such a tough time.”

Britton said the signature part of Ollie’s Footprints are the keepsake bags.

“We’ve sent out a good number of keepsakes to help families affected by a loss,” she said. “These keepsakes often include things like Hershey’s, to remind people they’re loved, and tissues because you will cry a lot.”

“We’ve sent out a good number of keepsakes to help families affected by a loss.”

— Sara Britton, founder of Ollie’s Footprint

Britton said Light the Lake was a way to support members of the local community.

“We just wanted people to come out tonight to say a prayer together and light a candle for the children they’ve lost,” she said.

The prayer was given by Deacon Jay of St. Peters in Lorain.

“Prayer is key for people to breathe,” Jay said. “It allows people to understand there’s life after death and helps people to continue on.”

As of October, the organization has sent 75 keepsake bags and boxes to families who have lost a baby or child.

The donations received have supported 100 families, including five in Canada, nine in England and eight in Australia.