Our nonprofit organization, Joey's Gifts, was founded to honor the memory of Joey, a bright and spirited young boy who tragically lost his life in a drowning accident while fishing at just 9 years old. Joey was an exceptional athlete with a deep passion for sports, especially soccer.
We aspire to empower children and enrich their lives through athletics, safety awareness, and community engagement. We achieve this through our sports scholarship program, providing financial support to children from small, community-based organizations that offer enriching sports and physical activity programs. Furthermore, our commitment extends beyond athletics; we are establishing a safety program that concentrates on implementing awareness in our communities of potential threats that can jeopardize children's safety.
In addition to advocating for youth and their well-being, we are devoted to securing funding for animal rescues that prioritize the health and happiness of vulnerable animals. Our initiatives are powered by the generosity of our supporters—through donations and sponsorships, we can continue making an impact.
We are deeply passionate about our work and the difference it is making in the lives of children and animals—the most vulnerable members of our communities. We invite you to join us in our mission. Your time, resources, or donations can help secure a brighter future for those in need. Together, we can create lasting change and be part of something beyond meaningful.
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Please note: Joey's Gifts was founded on June 23, 2023, and incorporated on August 4, 2023, according to the requirements of Pennsylvania's Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988.
Joey's Gifts: Enriching Lives Through Love
about us
On June 19, 2023, our beloved grandson Joey tragically drowned in a pond while fishing. At just nine years old, he was a vibrant spirit who loved life and excelled at swimming. Our hearts shattered on that fateful day, and our lives changed forever in ways we never thought possible.
Joey was more than a son and grandson; he was a brilliant little light in our lives. His infectious laughter and joyful personality could brighten even the darkest days. He had a natural gift for making friends, easily connecting with children and adults alike, charming everyone with his extraordinary communication skills that belied his tender age. He was genuinely loving and caring, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
One of Joey's greatest joys was playing at the playground, where he was always eager to help a little brother, cousin, or any young child who needed a hand. His gentle nature and willingness to assist others made him a remarkable soul—always ready to share his kindness.
Our conversations were filled with excitement as Joey passionately shared his knowledge about dinosaurs and other fascinating topics. His storytelling ability was unmatched, often bringing us to tears of laughter. He had an incredible bond with his Pop, sharing stories and jokes that truthfully highlighted their unique connection. - they were close that way! They had a funny and extraordinary bond with one another indeed.
In the wake of our unimaginable loss, my husband Bill, Joey's mom Lisa, and I felt compelled to honor his memory by founding a nonprofit organization. We want to ensure that Joey's tragic accident reminds us how quickly life can change. We hope to protect other families from experiencing this deep pain and loss. No one should experience such a heart-wrenching traumatic event, and we are committed to making a difference in Joey's name, keeping his spirit alive in the lives of those we touch.
His soul was enormous in life, so we want his spirit to soar in death. We want his star to shine brightest evermore. We hope to achieve this through our programs for children and animals. Please read on to learn more about Joey and the excellent programs we have developed for children and animals in Joey's name. These programs make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
How can you help? There are several possible ways -- read on to discover what you can do to be a part of this meaningful and satisfying cause.
Anything Is Possible
With Joey's Gifts Programs
Our Sports Scholarship Program for Young Athletes
Children's participation in sports is far more than just a recreational activity; it is a fundamental part of their development, teaching critical life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. At Joey's Gifts, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their financial situation, has the chance to pursue their dream of playing sports.
The motivation for our Sports Scholarship Program for Young Athletes is inspired by our beloved grandson, Joey. At the tender age of nine, Joey was passionate about sports, especially soccer. He wrote a heartfelt essay for school expressing the joy of the game and the importance of making it accessible to everyone. His words, "Everyone and anyone should play sports, especially soccer." His belief resonated with us. Through soccer, he learned essential life lessons about teamwork, leadership, respect, and good sportsmanship—values that shaped him into an incredible young person.
As his family, we witnessed firsthand how soccer transformed Joey's life. It was not merely a pastime for him; it became a source of confidence, self-esteem, and pure joy. Tragically, just five days after his last game of the season, we lost Joey, leaving an irreplaceable hole in our hearts. Yet, amidst our sorrow, we found purpose, and we carry his legacy forward through Joey's Gifts.
Our Scholarship Program aims to provide financial assistance to children and families who might otherwise lack the means to engage in sports. Every child deserves the chance to experience the joy, growth, and camaraderie that being part of a team builds, just as Joey envisioned. By supporting our program, you can honor Joey's memory and help create pathways for children to develop essential life skills through the power of sports.
Together, we can keep Joey's spirit alive and make a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes everywhere. Join us in making a difference and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Your support can help turn dreams into reality!
Continue scrolling to discover other ways that you can help positively impact children and animals in our communities.
Please pass this on to families that could use our help.
If interested, please help your children fill out our scholarship application in its entirety.
Our Safety System Programs
"Keeping Kids Safe - Our #1 Goal"
Joey's heartbreaking drowning in a pond while fishing alone serves as an important reminder about water safety. Although he was a strong swimmer who spent summers practicing holding his breath with his grandparents, the circumstances surrounding his accident highlight the unpredictability of emergencies. Panic can affect anyone, regardless of their swimming skills, and can escalate quickly into a dangerous situation. This emphasizes the importance of water safety. To prevent future tragedies, it’s essential to ensure that children are always accompanied by an adult when near water, reinforcing safety awareness and responsible behavior.
We are dedicated to implementing effective safety programs that educate both children and adults on vital measures to prevent drowning and other life-threatening situations. We are honored to have a partnership with the YMCA. Their Safety Around Water (SAW) Program exemplifies this commitment. This initiative teaches children essential swimming skills and raises awareness about water safety. The SAW Program features a structured curriculum that helps participants progressively develop their swimming abilities. Children must meet specific criteria established by the YMCA to advance to the next level of lessons. This ensures that every child learns to swim and navigate potential water hazards safely.
We strongly encourage parents and guardians to enroll their children in this essential program by clicking the link below. The SAW program empowers children and provides them with the knowledge and confidence to enjoy water activities while prioritizing safety. By promoting a culture of safety and awareness, we aim to reduce drowning risks and foster a lifelong appreciation for water safety among young people.
Joey's Buddy System
"Why Kids Should Not Be Alone While Playing Outside"
Kids need to have a buddy by their side during outdoor activities to enhance their safety and well-being. Having a companion provides an extra layer of protection, while fostering teamwork and enriches the overall experience.
We firmly believe children should always have a buddy when engaging in outdoor activities. If something unexpected occurs, the buddy can seek help, potentially preventing a tragedy. By instilling lifelong safety habits in children, we can ensure their well-being and avoid preventable incidents that can change lives forever.
Joey's tragic accident serves as a reminder that anything can happen to our children in the blink of an eye. The safety of our loved ones should always be our top priority. Let’s work together to make our communities safer and make a difference in children’s lives.
Here are more revealing explanations from online sources -- a very interesting read:
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Safety and Mutual Support:
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Stranger Danger: Being in a group with friends helps children avoid situations when being approached by strangers.
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First Aid and Assistance: If someone gets hurt, a friend can help seek assistance or provide basic first aid until help arrives.
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Early Warning System: Friends can act as a "second set of eyes" and alert each other to potential environmental dangers or hazards.
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Reduced Vulnerability: Children are less vulnerable to harm when with a friend or buddy, as they can look out for each other and offer assistance if needed.
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Social and Emotional Development:
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Social Skills: Playing and interacting with friends during outdoor activities helps children develop essential social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
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Emotional Regulation: Engaging in activities with friends can help children learn to regulate their emotions and cope with challenges in a supportive environment.
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Sense of Belonging: Having friends to play with can boost a child's sense of belonging and self-esteem.
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Learning from Peers: Children can learn from each other's experiences and develop new skills and interests.
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Increased Motivation and Fun:
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Encouragement: Friends can motivate each other to participate in activities and overcome challenges.
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Enhanced Fun: Playing with friends makes outdoor activities more enjoyable and memorable.
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Shared Experiences: Outdoor activities with friends create lasting memories and strengthen bonds.
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Developing Problem-Solving Skills:
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Teamwork: Children learn to work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, a valuable life skill.
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Decision-Making: Engaging in activities with friends provides opportunities for children to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions.
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Leadership Skills: Children can learn to take on leadership roles and guide others in group activities.
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Our Animal Rescue Program
At Joey's Gifts, our passion for promoting animal welfare runs deep. Inspired by Joey's boundless love for animals, we are dedicated to honoring his legacy by supporting animal rescue organizations through our heartfelt Animal Rescue Program. These incredible organizations are vital in caring for stray and abandoned animals, putting forth unwavering effort to provide essential medical treatment, nourishing meals, and safe foster homes, ensuring that every scared and helpless animal has a chance to find a loving forever home. However, to sustain their vital work, they depend on the generosity of compassionate donors, and we take great pride in standing by their side.
Recently, we made a significant contribution to Wags Rescue is a remarkable organization that exemplifies exceptional care for our furry friends and demonstrates an unyielding commitment to finding a loving home for every animal in need. Yet, our mission is far from complete, and this is where you come in. By donating today, you can help with this profound change, helping us support these organizations that have a crucial role in advocating for animal welfare.
We also encourage you to consider volunteering at a rescue or fostering an animal in need—every effort counts, no matter how small. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of these cherished creatures.
Join us in this noble cause through our Animal Rescue Program. Donate today, and let’s work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of the animals who need our love and support the most.
“Grief is love with no place to go.”
― Karen Gibbs
Check out our Blog on Grief