Holiday program empowers children in hospitals

Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation Gives the Gift of Gift-Giving for Young Patients

in Hospitals Across Five States

Los Angeles, CA, November 28, 2016 – The Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation has announced its 2016 Count On Me Holiday Shops in seven children’s hospitals across five states. Holiday Shops began in Atlanta in 2005 when Jim and Shannon Mora originally founded their nonprofit foundation. Since then, the Mora’s have provided Holiday Shops in each of the cities they’ve lived, continuing those programs even after relocating elsewhere. In 2015, Count On Me expanded this special program to Phoenix and New Orleans.

““This program is so uniquely special and all children deserve to be empowered to give, especially during the season of giving. We believe in having a positive impact on young people regardless of geography, so it made sense to expand our Holiday Shops to interested hospitals, no matter the city or location”, says Jim Mora, President and co-founder of the Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation.
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What are the Count On Me Holiday Shops?

Count On Me Holiday Shops provide children who are unable to leave the hospital during the holiday season the chance to “go shopping” for their loved ones. “Pop-up shops” are created right in the hospital and young patients are able to select gifts (at no cost) for their parents or guardians from a varied selection of items in a festive setting. Volunteers assist them at gift wrapping stations where they get creative with wrapping their gifts. Volunteers also visit patients unable to leave their room with carts loaded down with gifts so they can participate as well. While the children “shop”, parents and family members are treated to their own special “reception” area laden with snacks, beverages and holiday cheer. Infant patients receive soft baby blankets and toddlers are treated to a special goodie bag, ensuring every child in long‐term care to a warm and cheery “shopping” day. The costs of the gifts and operating the Holiday Shops are underwritten by generous donations to the Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation.

“ “When you see the looks in the eyes of these kiddos and the giant smiles on their faces, you can’t help but want to make sure every child in the hospital during the holidays has their chance to give back to their loved ones – those parents or guardians that they know have given up their normal day to day lives to care for them during these long hospital stays”, says Shannon Mora, Vice President and co-founder of the Foundation.
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About the Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation: The Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation supports children in need primarily in three target areas: low socio-economic backgrounds, mentally and/or physically challenged children and children at risk. We strive to empower children through our outreach programs as well as to lend support to children’s charities through monetary grants and partnerships. Our goal is to help children improve their lives by building and instilling confidence; encouraging health, wellness and safety; fostering learning opportunities; and using the sport of football as a springboard to talk about life and life lessons. The Foundation raises funds, provides community programs and promotes awareness in support of children’s charities and organizations whose mission aligns with theirs, giving children the opportunity to realize their potential and achieve their dreams. To learn more about Count On Me visit www.countonmefoundation.org.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Shari' Mills, Sr. Director Communications at 619-917-3635 or email at shari.m@comff.org.