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Denise Denise Fitzgerald first became involved with the Holiday Drive about 20 years ago when she began participating through her
employer Bank of America
by purchasing gifts for families in in in need Denise states: “Although in a a a a small way I was so happy to to help families to to make Christmas a a a a special day for their children by making sure they had presents under the the the tree Most times the the the gifts the the the parents were were asking for were were not what you might expect – like toys They were essentials to get through the cold winters coats boots mittens hats etc ” My husband and and I involved our two children and and we all
would shop together for the the items we were were donating My children were were always so excited to help out as well and always made sure we added a a a a ‘little extra’ – items not on the essentials list such as toys games stuffed animals etc When asked what inspired her
to get involved Denise responds “I am always looking for ways I can help those in in need whether it’s through my time volunteering or helping out financially In 2009 I was chatting with a a a close friend and and she she mentioned that she she and and some of her
her
colleagues where she worked were getting together to to make mittens for charity and were going to donate the money raised to a a a family in need THAT is when the idea for Fitz’ Mitts and De’s Helping Hands was born ” “Since I knew of Children’s Friend through the the Holiday Drive I reached out to them
and told them
that I wanted to to embark on a a a charity project where I would make mittens from recycled wool sweaters sell them
and donate all
the the the proceeds to the the the organization I was very specific with my request and wanted to make sure that the money would go to to families to to help them
with rent heat utilities and food From there a a a strong partnership was born! 2019 will be
my 10th year working closely with Children’s Friend in this capacity!
“This is is my way of giving back to those less fortunate and in need One of six children as as you can imagine there was not a a a lot to go around and Mom often struggled to make ends meet Through her
unflappable faith and perseverance we always had a a a a a a roof over our heads and food on the table I want to help provide some of that comfort to other families ” “The mittens have now taken on a a a life of their own and have become a a a huge hit with my family friends and many people I don’t even know that contact me because they received a a a a pair of my mittens as a a a a gift and would now like to participate That first year I made and sold 30 pairs of mittens - in 2018 I made almost 100 pairs donating all
proceeds to Children’s Friend It makes me feel so happy to make make even that small difference Words cannot express the the gratitude I have for all
the the unbelievable support I receive annually for this I don’t see an end in sight either Ihopetobeabletodothisforaslongas I am able to sew!”
“I think the programs work and dedication of the Children’s Friend staff and volunteers are simply amazing and such a a a a a noble cause to to be
part of I am so blessed to to be
able to help the the organization and the the many families they help every day ” If you’d like to support Denise’s Annual Mitten Project donations of sweaters (at least 60% wool) and buttons are greatly appreciated Please contact Stacy Couto Chief of Philanthropy at 401 276 4306 or or or or scouto@cfsri org for more details Meet Denise Denise