Wonderful packages coming. I'm still waiting but don't get antsy till at least a week after the mail date- to busy this month heading over to the bench for the feast.
Hav-was it a govt. job or a non profit. well if a govt. job the time line might go like this, you have to interview x number of appl., then once you decide on who, submit the decision to HR to be sure all requirements are met and there isn't any civil service problem, and maybe fill out a form explaining why this candidate is the one selected. Not sure if non-profits have similar checks and balances though.
For the question about organizations making items for babies who have passed, we have a group near here called Newborns in Need.
I tried to make a pincushion for my sp-no pattern but it got a bit big, maybe she thought it was a pillow for her kitty.
Remember ...when you get your package after the deadline you don't have so long a wait for the next sign up. And often they come on the very day you need a boost.