Presents For Patients

Luke Smith is organizing this fundraiser.

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Children unfortunately spend their holiday season in their hospital rooms instead of with their families in their warm homes. Such a sight is incredibly powerful and moving. Our charity aims to infuse the spirit of joy and jubilation into their lives by collecting and delivering heartfelt presents, ensuring that the magic of Christmas finds its way to these courageous young souls. Join us in making their holidays brighter, one gift at a time.

When I was 10 years old, I had an epiphany. For context, I struggled through chronic migraines, so I would make frequent visits to Cincinnati Children's hospital. Consequently, I witnessed other children combatting their own challenges. That lead me to 2017, playing basketball in the cul-de-sac outside my childhood home. The realization that came to me was some kids do not have the ability to enjoy their Christmas at home with their families, like I do. I decided to do what I could do to deliver smiles to these children.

To get started, I walked the neighborhood asking for donations. I returned with 45 dollars, 6 toy gifts, and promises from neighbors to drop off gifts. I then took the concept to my grade-school, St. Joseph School, where my classmates, teachers and principal caught wind; it then began to snowball. The project even got featured in the local news earning St. Joseph School Duke Energy "School of the Week."

In the span of 4 years, from 2017-2021, the project raised $15,000 total and hundreds of gifts for those children who couldn't come home for the holidays. In addition to the support of St. Joseph School, the project has also received support from other businesses such as Skyline Chili and Great Clips. The support has been overwhelming and heartening.

This is now the fifth year that I will be leading this charity. Our initial monetary goal for Thanksgiving to Christmas is $3,000. We will be accepting physical gift donations in locations to be determined.

Please help us to deliver smiles to these children that are stuck in the hospital this holiday season.