At Fello, the holiday season is about more than gifts—it’s about creating meaningful memories for children with disabilities and their families. This year, Fello’s Holiday Giving program paired 251 children with donors across the state who gave generously to provide gifts for 99 families this holiday season.

Person-Centered Gift Giving

One of the most unique aspects of Fello’s Holiday Giving program is the ability for families to ask for exactly what their children want and need. The gifts children receive from Fello and the community are based on their wish lists, which are created by the people who know them best.

“The way we do things at Fello is completely individualized,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families. “Every gift is specifically chosen for them.”

Parents apply for the program in the fall, providing detailed wish lists, including specific links, specific colors and sizes, and notes about sensory or physical considerations. Applications are reviewed by a committee, and approved applications are matched with a donor completely anonymously.

“Our donors go above and beyond, shopping for the children on their list like they shop for their own children,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development at Fello. “It is an incredible feeling to see boxes of gifts coming in from donor families, companies, and organizations who really care about children in their community having a happy holiday season.”

Whole-Family Support

At Fello, part of our 2Gen philosophy of supporting children with disabilities is supporting their families, too—which includes not just their parents, but their siblings.

“We provide gifts for children with disabilities, as well as their siblings without disabilities,” said Jessica Sauers, Director of 2Gen Initiatives. “Making sure that families who are struggling have meaningful gifts to give to all their children is incredibly important in terms of our family-centered approach to support.”

In addition to gifts for the children, families receive grocery store gift cards tailored to family size, ensuring that every family can make a special meal for the holidays.

“Many families are facing impossible decisions about what necessities they put their money toward,” said Sara. “Providing this support to parents helps the entire family experience the holidays with joy and dignity.”

Creating Opportunity, Creating Memories

Holiday Giving is a 100% donor-funded program. When you give to Fello, you join a legacy of people showing up in meaningful ways for children with disabilities and their families in our communities.

“Our donors are changemakers who give with their whole hearts,” said Caroline. “When you give to Fello, you can feel good knowing that every dollar you give is going toward putting a smile on a child’s face as they open a gift, or a smile on a parent’s face as they pull dinner out of the oven.”

At Fello, we don’t fundraise to keep the lights on. We fundraise to make sure children with disabilities and their families in our communities are thriving.

“Our donors aren’t just buying gifts, they are creating core childhood memories for children with disabilities and their families,” said Caroline.

To learn more about our Holiday Giving program, how to apply for support, or how to purchase gifts for a family next year, click here.