Laila’s Gift, Ronald McDonald House of Maryland & JMS Celebree School Partner To Spread Kindness
Laila’s Gift, a nonprofit organization that advocates for, supports, and celebrates children with special needs and disabilities, and their families, has announced a new partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland (RMHCMD) and JMS Celebree School. Together, the organizations will spread kindness and celebrate milestones for children and families staying at RMHCMD.
September 24, 2024 (Baltimore, Md)
RMHC Maryland provides essential services to families, who are in Baltimore to receive critical medical care for their ill or injured child. Programs such as overnight lodging, fresh meals each day, laundry service, transportation to/from local area hospitals, and engaging activities are provided at no cost to the family so they can focus solely on the care of their child. Children at RMHC Maryland ring the “Good News Bell” each time they have happiness to celebrate, and when RMHC Maryland staff and volunteers hear the bell ring, they pour out into the lobby, to celebrate with the family.
This new partnership will take celebrations one step further. Students from JMS Celebree School will create “celebration” cards that will be delivered by Zigglebee, the Laila’s Gift mascot to families staying at RMHCMD.
“One of our goals at the Ronald McDonald House is to bring joy to our families’ journeys, who are under enormous stress and going through some of the toughest moments of their lives. The mission of Laila’s Gift aligns so perfectly with ours as Laila’s Gift focuses on moments of jubilation, moments of achievement, and moments of genuine togetherness for the entire family. We are proud to work alongside JMS Celebree School in this effort by engaging with their student body to embody a motto we have around the House to ‘Spread Love’. The partnership with Laila’s Gift and JMS Celebree School will provide that special extra boost of support to our kids when they really need it most,” Allie Klein, Director of Marketing Communications & Special Events, RMHCMD.
One of Laila’s Gift’s signature programs is its Celebrations. At no cost to families, the organization hosts parties to help kids with special needs celebrate milestones big and small. Laila’s Gift recognizes that every child is unique and those with special needs may not reach the same milestones or achieve them at the same time as other children, but every milestone is a joy and a success for the child and their families. For some families, time with their child can be limited due to the severity of their condition so Laila’s Gift helps them celebrate anything and everything.
Zigglebee, Laila’s Gift’s cheerful mascot that embodies the spirit of inclusiveness and kindness which was designed by Laila’s sister Lana who was inspired by in 2020 when Laila communicated with Lana by scribbling on Lana’s story. Zigglebee plays a vital role in bringing the community together through the power of art.
JMS Celebree School students at their Canton, Owings Mills, and Glen Burnie locations will participate in Zigglebee pARTies during which they will create handcrafted cards designed to hold a special two-dollar bill, which is presented to families at RMHM upon their departure. This project provides a valuable opportunity for our children to learn about empathy and kindness through creative expression, while families can witness their children engaging in activities that promote the positive values of giving back and connecting with others.
“I’m excited about our new partnership with Laila’s Gift and Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland. Watching our students create something as special as handcrafted cards for RMHC families highlights how art can teach empathy and generosity. It’s a powerful way for our children to understand the importance of giving back, and I’m proud to see them actively engaging in such a meaningful cause,” Ashley Nowlin, Marketing Director for JMS Celebree School.
Laila’s Gift aims to build bridges between the community and those with special needs to open dialogue and opportunities for inclusive engagement. This partnership will help expand this mission in a meaningful way for families who aren’t home to celebrate with their communities and to foster inclusive connections with children who attend Celebree Schools.
“We are so excited to continue building inclusive communities that celebrate every individual’s unique gifts. Zigglebee helps to break down barriers and brings together children of all abilities through the arts. We are honored to expand our reach and spread kindness in new ways with our partners at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland and JMS Celebree School,” states Shari Bailey, Founder and CEO of Laila’s Gift.
About Laila’s Gift
Laila’s Gift is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Aberdeen, MD that advocates for, supports, and celebrates children with special needs and disabilities, and their families. Since 2022, they have served over 1000 families.
Led by Founder and CEO, Shari Bailey, the organization was inspired by Bailey’s daughters Laila and her twin sister Lana, who were born on September 5, 2014. Lana was healthy at birth, but Laila was born with a condition called Jacobsen Syndrome. At the time, globally, there were less than 100 cases with this very rare condition. Due to health complications associated with the syndrome, roughly 20%-25% of infants with Jacobsen Syndrome pass away before reaching the age of two. Since her birth, Laila has faced many adversities and challenges, yet has overcome many of them.
Visit lailasgift.org for more information.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland is the only Ronald McDonald House in the state of Maryland and has been home to more than 50,000 families since its founding in 1982. The mission of RMHC Maryland is to provide a “home-away-from-home” for seriously ill children and their families. Families who stay at the House come from all over the world to seek care from Maryland pediatric medical facilities. For more information, please visit www.rmhcmaryland.org.
About JMS Celebree School
JMS Celebree School is a proud franchise partner of Celebree Schools, offering high-quality childcare and early education for children from infancy through school age. Our comprehensive programs include infant care, toddler care, preschool, and before and after care for school-aged children. With locations in Canton, Glen Burnie, Owings Mills, and Columbia South, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and educational environment where children can grow and thrive. If your family is looking for exceptional childcare, we invite you to schedule a tour at any of our locations. Contact us at 410-994-8934, we look forward to welcoming you to our Celebree family!
Visit us at www.celebree.com.