Hello! I’m so excited you’re here! My name is Mariah! As I realize most people that are reading this right now know me, I do recognize there are some of you that have never met me, and to those, it is nice to meet you and I appreciate that you’ve read even this far!

Whether I know you or not, you may or may not know how this passion project started. Since I was a teenager, I always wanted to forgo all participation in Christmas gift-giving or receiving and instead focus on what the holidays are really about. 10 years ago, I finally followed through on withdrawing myself from the festivities. I did this not to be a Scrooge, as a sneaky way to save money, or anything like that. I made this decision to remember and refocus on what is actually important during the holidays and really, always- spending time with people you love, baking, laughing, playing games, seeing those whom I don't get to see all that much, and most of all, that giving most certainly surpasses receiving.

YOU GUYS - The support and donations I've received throughout the past nine years have been so unimaginatively humbling and just, wild (over $18K total raised!!). From friends to friends of friends, my amazing family...

my gym friends (Shoutout CrossFit SISU!!)..

co-workers and even complete strangers!!

It's truly amazing what we can do when we come together, and I hope to continue that momentum again for the 10th year (so crazy how time flies!!) in a row!

I am truly excited about what I have in store for this year’s mission! To help distract these kiddos and brave patients from the daily battles they face and keep them super-duper cozy, with your kind donations, I am again making and donating fun, colorful, fleece tie-blankets. However, with Joann's recent national store closures, sourcing materials may get difficult. So, I am planning to also donate books, toys, clothing, toiletries, food items and other necessities to the Ronald McDonald House Charity with any remaining funds I don't use on blanket material (thanks for the idea, mom! LOL)!

I am planning to deliver these blankets and toys/books/etc. to Children's Minnesota, and to the RMHC within Children's, as close to Christmas as I can, so any donations would be appreciated by the 10th of December!

Also, please know that you do not need to partake in this opportunity or feel obligated to donate; there are PLENTY of other ways to contribute (blanket tying help, sharing posts on social media, etc. )! However, I hope this year’s efforts will be as successful, if not more, as previous years, and I would love and appreciate any financial support in hopes of making this year’s donation as over-the-top and spirit-lifting as I can. It truly takes a village and I'm so excited to get this years project underway!

In health, happiness, and gratitude,

Mariah