2023 10th Annual Nicholas Giving Tree Project – Holiday Care Packages for Children with Batten Disease
The 10th Nicholas Giving Tree Project was a heartwarming success, thanks to the many wonderful people who helped us prepare and send out holiday care packages for children affected by Batten Disease. Each December, the Our Promise to Nicholas Foundation spreads holiday joy through these carefully prepared packages, and last year was no exception.
Special Thanks to Our Helpers and Donors
This annual project would not be possible without our incredible volunteers and supporters. A heartfelt thank you to the “elves” who joined me in packing 60 care packages this year: my mom and dad, my sister Amy, my niece Isabella, Meghan Kelley, and my cousin Kathy Gallagher-Clark. Your time and dedication helped make these care packages special for each child.
We also want to extend a special thanks to Lynne Voyt and her quilting group from Southern New Hampshire, who lovingly crafted and donated over 70 unique pillowcases for our holiday care packages. Many of you may know Lynne as a dental hygienist at Rothwangl Dental in Bedford, NH. Her generous spirit and that of her quilting group brought extra comfort and color to each child’s holiday.
Additionally, we’re grateful for my dear friend and fellow Batten mom, Maria Stancombe, who donated charming Christmas bells in honor of her son William and daughter Gracie. Each bell was wrapped in crinkly holiday bags, adding a sensory delight for the children to enjoy, especially as many have lost or are losing their vision due to the progression of Batten Disease. These thoughtful gifts bring a unique joy to the children, who often become more sensitive to sounds as they lose their sight.
The Final Countdown to Care Package Delivery
The holiday season brings many challenges, and this project aims to brighten the spirits of families going through difficult times. We continue to rely on donations to keep this effort going strong. With only a few more items to go, we welcome any contributions to complete our Amazon Wish List or monetary donations to sponsor a care package.
Your donations help us fill the boxes with essentials like new bed sheets, children’s body wash, lotion, holiday candy, children’s Tylenol, gift cards, and more. Each $50 donation sponsors one full care package, filled with items specially chosen to bring comfort and holiday cheer to a child.
For those who have already donated, we thank you deeply. Your kindness and generosity bring warmth to our Batten families during the holiday season.
Thank you for joining us in this mission of love and support. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for families facing Batten Disease. Every act of kindness truly makes an impact!
