Shawna and LaLa donate gifts to Garnet Medical Center every holiday season, and it remains one of the most meaningful traditions they carry into the new year. Their annual gift bag donation to the pediatric unit is rooted in compassion, lived experience, and the simple hope of bringing comfort and joy to children spending the holidays in the hospital.

Each gift bag is carefully assembled with intention, designed to spark a smile and offer a moment of brightness during an otherwise difficult time. For children who are away from home, family traditions, and the comfort of their own beds, even the smallest surprise can make a powerful difference. A new toy, a fun activity, or a comforting item can turn a long hospital day into a moment of joy.

This mission is deeply personal for both Shawna and LaLa. Growing up, they spent much of their childhood in hospitals and at frequent doctor appointments. Long days in waiting rooms, medical procedures, and uncertainty were a constant part of their lives. They know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming hospital stays can feel, especially for children who do not yet understand why their bodies are not cooperating.

Those experiences never leave you. They shape how you show up for others. Shawna and LaLa remember what it meant when someone took the time to make them feel seen, cared for, and remembered. A small act of kindness or a brief distraction from the medical noise had the power to change everything.

Today, as two women who continue to live with their own daily challenges, they understand just how important it is to feel supported, especially during the holidays. That is why Shawna and LaLa donate gifts to Garnet Medical Center year after year. It is a reminder to every child in the pediatric unit that they are not alone and that an entire community is rooting for them.

They are deeply grateful to the brands whose generosity helped make this year’s gift bags possible. Because of that support, compassion was turned into action, and children received more than just gifts. They received comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that they truly matter.

This tradition is at the heart of who Shawna and LaLa are, and it will always hold a special place in their story.

A heartfelt thank you to:

Path Water
Bored No More
Toothbrush Toys
Wright Brothers
Diel Makeup
Penelope & The Vase
Be Blends
Finding Joy
bergenPAC tickets
That’s It

Thank you for helping us turn compassion into action. Together, we were able to bring comfort, smiles, and a little holiday magic to children who truly deserve it.

Love,
Shawna & LaLa