THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
The requests for help are heartbreaking:
“Mom died and her kindergartner comes to school sad and hungry.”
“I only want a real angel for Christmas.”
“Homeless family in need of winter coats, shoes and blankets for their children.”
“Pediatric ICU patient needs blankets, car seat, and baby clothes to be released from hospital.”
“Pediatric Hospice patients would like a teddy bear with a voice recorder to record voice for Mom.”
These are referrals from local agencies seeking help from the Kylee Lillich Charitable Giving Tree. In its tenth year, the local charity will make wishes come true for nearly 700 grieving, needy and hospitalized children year this year.
Kylee’s family started the Giving Tree to honor the memory and spirit of their 23-month-old daughter. She was killed in a tragic and unbelievable accident in 2000, leaving her family – including twin brother, Kevin – stunned, grieving and feeling helpless.
“Kylee was so loved and so blessed, and this is our way of passing those blessings on to others,” said Traci Lillich, Kylee’s mother and Giving Tree president.
The Kylee Lillich Charitable Giving Tree is a non-profit 501c3, all-volunteer local charity that helps children year-round. Donations go to children who are hospitalized, grieving the loss of a parent, brother or sister, or simply in need of basic items.
Kylee’s Giving Tree has helped over 5,000 children since 2002.
Referrals have come in from more than 30 schools and local hospitals. Professionals work with parents or guardians to determine the child’s needs and make referrals.
Most children ask for new warm clothes, new toys, new blankets and new baby items, and occasionally a bike or special wish is granted. Cash donations are accepted and can be made online via PayPal at www.KyleesGivingTree.org.
For more information, call Traci at (916) 419-9694 or (916) 747-9555.
You can support Kylee’s Giving Tree by hosting a holiday giving tree at your office, business, church or social group. A small, medium or large tree with paper ornaments for individuals to take will be provided. Gifts must be returned before Dec. 9.
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