This is traditionally a Holiday program but we run the program year long. We offer assistance with families who have a medically fragile child, or children. We provide monetary assistance, in the form of gift cards, food, and used items from clothing to household items to furniture.

The relief and happiness this program provides is not quantifiable. A study done by the Harvard Public School of Health shows that “toxic stress has harmful effects on the brain and other organ systems”. The study further went on to show that things such as hopefulness, optimism, and being surrounded by a supportive network of positive family and friends also greatly contributed to increased health. (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazine/happiness-stress-heart-disease/).

All our programs are aimed to provide happiness and relief from stress even if just for a short period of time.

This Holiday season, we kicked off this program in the Delaware community. Tender Hearts was able to help 4 families with medically fragile children celebrate, despite only beginning in early December. We look forward to accomplishing more in 2016.