community TESTIMONIALS

Testimonial

Dr. Shannon O'Grady
Peekskill City School District

"We are blessed to know you.
We need you!
We love you!"

Kelsey Louie, CEO, The Door
(2021- Present)
CEO, GMHC
(2014-2021)

"...become a giving friend. It will change lives, including yours."

I have seen firsthand the impact these gifts have on the children and the families. Every child deserves a holiday. Every parent deserves to see the joy in their children’s eyes when they open up a gift during the holidays. And because of Lynne and her commitment to promise she made over two decades ago, she has helped to spread joy, cheer, and compassion to tens of thousands of families. As a social worker who has worked in the fields of child welfare, substance abuse, (and homelessness)…., I can attest to the profound impact that acts of kindness like these have on some of the most vulnerable in the city. I urge you to become a giving friend. It will change lives, including yours.

Claire-testimonials

Clare Madden, Teacher, PS 386, Bronx, New York

"...our students' faces lit up when they saw the gifts..."

Thank you so much to Lynne and her friends – because of their selflessness and dedication to bring joy to others we were able to give our students quality, age appropriate gifts the past two holiday seasons! Not only did we receive amazing toys but also clothes, backpacks, gloves, mittens and hats – just the right size for our students! We teach ICT (Information and Communication Technology) prekindergarten in a low income neighborhood of the Bronx. Many of our students live in temporary housing, and eight of our students have special needs. Our students’ faces lit up when they saw the gifts, and they still wear or talk about the gifts they were given….. Parents have expressed their gratitude for the beautiful gifts.

Giving Friends Tstimonial

Kyle T. O’Donnell, Assistant Principal
Cardinal Spellman HS, Bronx, NY

"...the initiative has brought so much joy to children…"..

For the last nine years, Lynne and her son Tyler have worked with our school to collect and donate gifts for the Young Mothers Residential Treatment Facility supporting the Annual Toy Drive during the Christmas season….This initiative has given our students a chance to form a real charitable connection with their community. More importantly, the initiative has brought so much joy to children that receive the donated gifts. Lynne and Tyler have helped the program grow exponentially throughout the years, and that is a testament to her diligence, dedication and persistence in trying to help those who need a hand.”

Giving Friends testimonial

Kylee McGrane, Founder
A Moment of Magic

"...we are able to reach more vulnerable children in our area…"

We are thrilled about our relationship with Lynne. By helping us provide gifts to each of the children we serve, we are able to restore the magic of childhood for even just a moment, but instill friendships and love that last far beyond. By working together, we are able to reach more vulnerable children in our area…..Thank you.

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