With the holiday season being one of the hardest times for families, many local businesses, organizations and dozens of others within the community come together each year, to help those struggling; all in memory of one little boy.
“I met him when he was two. I just kind of became his grandmother. I didn’t have any grandkids at the time, so we kind of stuck together.” Karen White shared.
(Karen proudly thanking all those who helped make the 10th annual Jacob Stern Toy Drive such a success)
White recalled meeting Jacob for the first time when his mother Melissa came to Cornwallis Chev to purchase a Chevy Cruz.
They connected immediately. While Jacob was only young, they created a bond that was much more than just his mother coming in to purchase a new car!
“I was her service advisor and he was in the backseat. We just connected.”
While staying in touch and being another puzzle piece to the family, the news of Jacob’s diagnosis hit hard for Karen.
Jacob was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of muscular cancer. It began with a muscle tumour right beside his spine in his back.
At only 15 months old, Jacob was actively undergoing treatment. Due to safety concerns, medical care took them to southern Indiana for radiation treatment. Just a few years after fighting and undergoing chemotherapy, the cancer came back.
Tragically, Jacob lost his battle with cancer in 2016 at the age of four. The community not only rallied behind the family before his passing but are also honouring his life even years later.
After Jacob’s passing, Bruce, Melissa’s father, who has since passed away sparked an idea and with the support of Melissa, Karen and the family, they wanted to do something to remember him while also finding a way to say thank you to the community who came to support the family when they needed it the most.
“When I was going through the battle with Jacob’s cancer, the community showed so much love and support. From toys, food or love or even movie tickets to take my other daughter out. It was a community thing and we were so overwhelmed, we had to do something to give back” Melissa Carter, Jacob’s mom, proudly recalled.
(Karen and Jacobs mother Melissa – L-R)
The Jacob Stern Memorial Toy Drive began, only two months after Jacob passed away. Their goal was and is to make sure no child wakes up on Christmas morning without a present under the tree.
After some trial and error, Karen White, who works at the reception desk, was able to establish her home base at her current employer, Forbes Kia.
Thankful to her dealer principal, Pat Forbes, each year they are able to fill the showroom with dozens and dozens of toys which will land in the homes of children all across the Annapolis Valley and beyond.
(The Forbes Kia showroom packed with toys for Christmas!)
Even though Jacobs toy drive began at Forbes Kia, this important initiative has become a community pledge, bringing similar businesses on board. This year, drop off locations were located at Revive Tanning and Wellness, Steele Valley Chevrolet, Bruce Volkswagen, Kentville Toyota, Car Star New Minas, Bruce Hyundai, Callister’s, Charm Diamond Center, Pothier Motors & North’s Collision.
With many more partners including New Minas Pet Smart and Rewind helping bring donations and other items in for the annual toy drive. To date, this year has been the most successful they’ve been!
(Community partners gather following weeks of fundraising toys for children!)
Typically, they’re able to fill the Santa sleigh placed in the showroom, but this year donations were coming in by the dozens, spilling toys all over the showroom floor!
This December marks the 10th anniversary of The Jacob Stern Memorial Toy Drive. Stern would have turned 14 years old this month. His memory continues to shine each year, bringing smiles and joy to hundreds of children who need it the most during Christmas.
“This jump starts my holiday. This gets me in the Christmas mood because, yet again, this is my 10th Christmas without him, which makes this extra special. It warms my heart” Melissa Carter expressed.
While all the work of getting the donations and items is done, it’s now a matter of getting them distributed and to the homes of the children.
That’s where the Kids Action Program comes in! This program covers the Annapolis Valley and beyond. Their mandate is to support families that struggle, primarily focused on poverty-related instances.
The Kids Action Program team from Left to right
Suann Boates, Kaitlyn Black, Bokung Sung, Nathan Brown, Mark Crouse (missing – Melissa White, Emma Dunsmore)
The program is quite diverse, offering prenatal support, cooking workshops and much more for families that require financial support and assistance.
“Seasons like Christmas cause huge amounts of stress because families don’t have the resources. They’re focused on making Christmas happen for their children rather than paying their rent or heat through the winter.” Suann Boates, executive director of the Kids Action Program, stated.
The Kids Action Program and their team of staff across the region identify and recognize these trends. They work to help make life easier for families in need.
Boates shared some really insightful information, touching on some of the lists they received this year from children they take care of. The requests are quite shocking.
“We get lists of wants and needs from some families. They’re often very different from what you would expect. This year we had four children who asked to have their own pillow, while another child asked for popular boots.”
The Kids Action Program has the trust and resources to support and provide families with these items. Many people want to help, but they aren’t sure how.
The program, which is a non-for-profit organization, relies heavily on cash donations to support families. In almost 32 years, the program hasn’t received any increase in federal funding to support those within our communities who are struggling.
They rely heavily on the support of donations and fundraisers like the Jacob Stern Memorial Toy Drive to help lessen the stress on parents.
⚠️ You can visit the link to donate and learn more below ⤵️
Kids Action Program: Family Resource Programs (Kings & Hants Counties)
On a personal note: it was extremely touching to be present, witnessing bags upon bags of stuffed animals, beautiful toys and much more flowing through the showroom in New Minas. Everyone pitching together as a community to ensure Christmas was possible this year.
There are so many people that are not mentioned in this post, who played a vital role in having so many toys available to be distributed.
This particular fundraiser is what keeps our communities alive. It brings possibilities for growth and reminds us that there are decent people out there who want to make a difference and reminds us that families suffering are not alone.
Because of all those involved, from drop-off locations, to donations, advertising and much more, the Kids Action Program will be bringing Christmas to the doors of over 200 families this year.
This important initiative has grown to be something much more. Bringing the community together during the holiday season, while honouring the life of Jacob Stern, spreading hope and joy to the homes of our next-door neighbours.
Adrian J.
