The holidays are just around the corner and with them comes the time to give thanks for all we have and the opportunity to help families less fortunate than our own. The School of Nursing (SoN) has organized a Holiday Wishes project every year since 2002. The project involves groups of individuals working together to support an Early Head Start (EHS) family by donating gifts to fulfill some of their holiday wishes.

The school has helped over 190 families since then thanks to the unbelievable generosity of SoN faculty, staff and students. The Student Nurses Association has been actively involved in the project in the past and we hope this year they, along with other nursing student groups, will choose to sponsor a family again.

The process involves EHS staff identifying some families who are most in need and providing us with their wish lists. Each group then chooses a family to sponsor. If you are not in a group but would still like to participate by donating an item such as a child’s toy, book or article of clothing, for example, let Becky know.

A check for a cash donation or gift cards for groceries or to stores such as Target and Shopko are another great way to help a family in need. To ensure the money will be used for a SoN family, make the check payable to Becky Bertram and the money will be shared with one or more of our families. Checks payable to Early Head Start are also gladly accepted and the money will be used to help families other than the ones being sponsored by the SoN.

Thank you very much for your kindness and support over the years. It is because of you that the SoN has been able to brighten the holidays for 190 Early Head Start families. Please consider helping a family in need during this holiday season as well. If you or a group of your friends or coworkers would like to sponsor a family this year, please contact Becky Bertram at 263-5261 or by November 24th.

Sincerely,

Becky Bertram

608-263-5261