4th Annual Holiday Children's Hospital Donation

Hi There! My name is Mariah!  As I realize most people whom I will share this with will know me, I do also recognize there are probably a few of you that have never met me, and to those, it is nice to meet you! 

To anyone who has come across this page, you may or may not know how this donation campaign started. I have always wanted to forgo all participation in christmas gift giving or receiving. and instead, focus on what the holidays were really about. Three years ago was the year I finally followed through on withdrawing myself from the festivities.  I did this not to be a scrooge, or to save money, or anything like that. I decided this with the intention of remembering and refocusing on what is actually important during the holidays and really, always. Spending time with people I love, baking, laughing, playing games, seeing those whom I dont get to see all that much, and most of all, that giving most certainly surpasses receiving. 

The support and donations I received throughout the past THREE (omg!) years have been so unimaginatively humbling and successful. It's truly amazing what we can do when we come together, and I hope to continue that momentum again for the 4th year in a row! 

I want to thank you again for checking out my page as I am excited to do Christmas a little differently again this year, but as always, I'll need your help!

I am truly excited about what I have in store for this years mission! Through some additional time I have personally spent in hospitals this year, I have also decided to add on a little extension to this project as well! To help distract these patients from the daily battles they face and keep them super-duper cozy, with your kind donations, I have decided to make and donate a fun, colorful fleece tie- blanket paired with a  uplifting book, game, toy, movie, you name it, to the patients at Children’s Minnesota!

The new part I mentioned? In addition to the above, I will also be putting together a care package/overnight bag for the parents of these patients that will include a basic tee, lounge pants, socks, toothbrushes, deodorant, and some other cosmetic items. As I have spent some additional time in hospitals this year, both as the patient and as the family member in the waiting room, I have gained a deep respect, compassion and understanding of the selflessness that these parents practice in these times of need. Having to get up and go at the drop of a hat and leave everything else behind. After having my thyroid removed, my mom refused to leave my side and instead of leaving and sleeping soundly in a hotel, she decided that arranging to waiting room chairs into a bed that would fit a toddler & tossing and turning in a chair for hours on end overnight was better, because she wanted to be close by. Same with my Step-mom, Pam, who stayed in a recliner for 3 nights in a row, right by my dads side, day in and day out, while he recovered from surgery. These type of people are crucial to have, and to me, it meant everything to have someone constantly there, even to pop in at 3 am to say hi and surprise me with ice cream. These people, I have learned, are a huge part of the equation and deserve some care and nurturing as well. 

It makes me sad to think there are people out there that do not get anything or get to see their families around this time of year, for whatever reasons there may be. I want to bring happiness, surprise and a sense of love to those stuck inside a hospital, patients and families, at this time of year as I believe selflessness and giving is what needs to be remembered and that serving others is what is important.

I am planning to deliver these blankets and toys along with the care packages as close to Christmas as I can, so any donations would be appreciated by the 10th of December!

You do not need to partake in this or feel obligated to donate, however, I hope this years efforts are as successful as previous years and would love and appreciate any financial support in hopes of making these gifts as over the top and spirit lifting as I can!

Thank you so much!

God bless

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