Caring Donor Makes the Holiday Season Brighter for a Struggling Mother

Through NHCO’s Holiday Toy Shop, 34 volunteers distributed approximately $100,000 worth of gifts to 334 families, including 826 kids.

One mother was especially grateful for the NHCO Toy Shop. She has three kids – six, 10 and 13 years old. Her youngest recently rang the bell after beating a rare form of cancer, making this holiday season an extra special occasion. She also cares for her disabled brother, and her husband has a chronic condition that limits his ability to work. While she works, she still needed help bringing holiday joy to her family.

Vicki Burstynowicz, who oversees NHCO’s Sharing Projects, sympathized with her situation and connected her with a donor who was looking for a family to support with toys. The donor gifted the mother with a holiday shopping spree.

“It was the best Christmas we ever had. All the kids got exactly what they wanted and were so happy,” the mother said. “We gave the donor a thank you card. Wish we could do more for her. It was a blessing to have such a wonderful experience.”

In the past, her kids also received winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves through NHCO’s Winter Coat Collection. They got backpacks and other school necessities through our Back to School Collection.

“And I want to thank Vicki especially since she's the one who made this all happen. She is such a saint,” she said.

Learn how you can help with NHCO’s Sharing Projects at NHCO.org/sharing-project-donations.