Our 2024 Operation Spread the Joy holiday gift program just wrapped up and was full of community support, spreading joy, and gift giving to our grantees and their families. We are so thankful for all the supporters who helped make this year a success and bring joy into the homes of many who are facing the financial and emotional challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis.
BY THE NUMBERS
A COMMUNITY OF GIVING
Our hearts are full of gratitude as we had several community partners join in to support Operation Spread the Joy. The New Friends of Carolina women’s group adopted 3 of our grantees and their families wish lists. They purchased the gifts, wrapped them and made their care packages. Plus, they sewed stocking for the children of all of our families.
Xavier Legette of the Carolina Panthers joined us in supporting one of our grantees and their family. He gave back in memory of his mom who passed from breast cancer. Xavier delivered gifts and had a special visit with our grantee, Stephanie, and her family. He helped provide beds and bedding for her 3 grandchildren. The joy on their faces coming home to their own beds said it all. Plus, he took away a worry for a grandmother who can now focus on her treatment.
Coldwell Banker Realty – Ballantyne was an amazing partner, hosting our Wrapping Party and providing treats for the 40+ volunteers who helped stuff stockings, wrap gifts and load them in cars for deliveries. Lidl Food Market donated gift cards to help support several families with additional funds for groceries and holiday meals. We are grateful for Novant Health, TrinityPoint Wealth and Smiley’s 4 C’s Charitable Endowment for their sponsorship supporting the wish lists of our grantees and their families.
Thank you to everyone who purchased gifts for families, donated gift cards, made monetary donations and volunteered their time. You all helped spread the joy!
GRANTEE REFLECTIONS
It was so special to meet many of our grantees, to give them hugs in person and spend some time hearing their stories. We got to meet their families and have time for fellowship with one another. Many shared how much this additional support meant to them, as they struggled to have the budget for holiday gifts this year with the added medical expenses.
“It meant so much to me and my daughter to have been supported by Go Jen Go! We are truly grateful for all the gifts received from the organization. My daughter even said, “They are amazing Mommy!” Battling these new issues has made it challenging to do a lot of things lately. The assistance for Christmas made my life so much easier as this was one thing I didn’t have to make time for this season.” -Shayla, Breast Cancer Survivor
“I’m going through treatment for a second time and with a newborn baby. The fatigue from radiation, a baby, and having energy for a 6-year-old can be a lot. But I love it. Go Jen Go’s support is so appreciated. You’ve made a difficult time more manageable.” Salimah, Breast Cancer Survivor
“We have been overwhelmed with doctor’s appointments, budgeting, so shopping for Christmas has been relegated to an afterthought. This is why we are so thankful to Go Jen Go for not only their support through the whole year, but for the generous delivery of gifts for our whole family. The attention to detail to make this Christmas memorable and stress free is beyond my ability to articulate. So many tears of joy!” Amanda, Breast Cancer Survivor
It was a season of spreading joy and we are grateful for everyone who helped make Operation Spread the Joy a success this year.
