2025- Join Us for the 12th Annual Nicholas Holiday Giving Tree Project
We are excited to launch our 12th Nicholas Holiday Giving Tree Project, sending USPS Priority care packages to families affected by Batten disease.
These children are living with a fatal neurodegenerative brain disease, and some families care for more than one child. Each priority-mail box—about the size of a shoe box—is filled with thoughtful, practical items families can use every day at home or during hospital visits.
What’s Inside:
Each package is packed with small, useful items to bring comfort and cheer, such as:
-
Travel-size toiletries, liquid hand soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, unscented lotion for sensitive skin, body wash, washcloths, lip balm
-
Children’s over-the-counter essentials (Tylenol, ibuprofen, cold medications, laxatives)
-
New cozy bed sheets or new pajamas
-
Holiday candy, a festive ornament, and holiday cards
-
Gift cards—the most requested item—so families can purchase necessities or even a simple cup of coffee
How You Can Help
-
$50 donation sponsors one complete care package—we’ll fill and ship the box for you. Click here https://secure.qgiv.com/for/
optnf/event/ngtp2hpfcwbdc/ then click on “ticket” -
$100 donation sponsors two complete care packages—we’ll fill and ship both boxes for you. Click here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/
optnf/event/ngtp2hpfcwbdc/ then click on “ticket” -
Shop our wish lists and ship directly to us:
-
Target Wish List: 2025 OPTN Nicholas Giving Tree
-
Amazon Wish List: 2025 OPTN Nicholas Giving Tree – Bring Joy to Batten Families
Important Dates
-
Gift items & gift cards deadline: December 3, 2025
-
Packages mailed: Week of December 8, 2025
-
Late gifts: Items received after December 8 will still be sent to a family caring for a child with Batten disease.
Sponsorships: To help cover mailing costs, or VISA Gift Cards please contact heatherdainiak@hotmail.com.
Look for photos of the children receiving their packages on our website and Facebook page—they are sure to brighten your day.
Thank you for helping us bring comfort, care, and a little holiday joy to these courageous families.
For questions, please contact Heather Dainiak at heatherdainiak@hotmail.com.
