Christine's Hope for Kids (CHFK) founders John and Jean Gianacaci often say that it is the little things that make the biggest impact in the life of a child, especially for the children who do not have much.
Christine's Hope for Kids (CHFK) founders John and Jean Gianacaci often say that it is the little things that make the biggest impact in the life of a child, especially for the children who do not have much.
A couple years ago, CHFK had the opportunity to host a Valentine's Day party at a local shelter. They brought in dinner and small picture frames for party-goers to decorate. Each child had his or her individual picture taken and, while everyone was eating, the photos were printed and put in the frames.
Jean Gianacaci was watching one boy, Deron, who kept going over to his picture. She remarked how beautiful the frame was and what a nice picture. She mentioned how great it was that when he got home he could take that picture out and put in another.
Deron said over and over again, "No. I can't."
When Jean asked him why, Deron said, "Because I don't have any other pictures of myself."
Deron was 9.
Jean was speechless. Here was this child who was 9 years old. And he has no photos. He has no tangible memories. No pictures of himself on the ball field, no holiday pictures, no school portraits. But, with this photo, the record of Deron's childhood memory can start at 9 years old.
"Let's put your name and date so you will always know when this picture was taken," Jean suggested.
Then she watched him walk around the room, so proud of his picture, showing it to all the other kids. When his mom arrived, Deron ran up to say, "Look at this picture I got!"
Jean thought about it that night, thinking, "What have we given these kids? Not much, only a picture." But to these kids, it can be so much more than a picture. It's a memory. It's a smile. It's a little thing that makes a big difference.
Your donation to the 2015 Times Holiday Appeal will help Christine's Hope for Kids continue its mission to help kids in need in our community. NJM Insurance Group has pledged to donate $1,000 for every $5,000 contributed by the community and other business donors throughout the 2015 campaign.
To make a donation in support of Christine's Hope for Kids, make your check payable to The Times Holiday Appeal and mail to Times Charities, Inc., 413 River View Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08611.
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For more about Christine's Hope for Kids, go to www.christineshope.org.
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