A Special Delivery
The Christmas spirit was alive at One More Child’s Compassion Center as volunteers eagerly unpacked a special delivery from the Ticket to Dream Foundation—boxes piled high with carefully packed gifts.
These weren’t just ordinary boxes. They were filled with thoughtfully chosen surprises, including a crowd favorite: Squishmallows, the soft and cuddly toys sure to bring joy to countless little ones this Christmas season.
One More Child’s Executive Director of Development, Erica Hall, paused her work to help unload the boxes alongside Jazlin Garcia, a dedicated Compassion Center volunteer.
To add a festive touch, Erica handed Jazlin a Santa hat and snapped a picture to send back to the Ticket to Dream Foundation as a thank-you for their generous delivery.
Obsessed with Pineapples
Amid the cheerful unpacking, Foster Care Supervisor Shelly Bastean walked by and asked, “Are those pineapples?”
Her comment wasn’t just playful banter—it held special significance. Earlier that day, Shelly had been in communication with Donna,* a foster mom planning to visit One More Child’s Operation Merry Christmas Holiday Shop, a service providing donated goods to children and families in our care.
Donna shared that one of the children in her care was obsessed with pineapples—a love so strong her foster daughter even had pineapple-themed pajamas. Hoping to make her Christmas extra special, Donna asked Shelly if anything pineapple-related might be available.
As you can imagine, there were no pineapple-themed Christmas gifts available. That was, until the boxes arrived from Ticket to Dream at just the right time. And when the boxes were opened, what was inside but a stuffed animal pineapple!
Even the smallest acts of kindness—a cuddly toy, a thoughtful gesture—can create lasting joy and a reminder that our big God is always in even the smallest details. This simple yet heartfelt gesture embodied the why behind what we do at One More Child: to see and meet the tangible and spiritual needs of vulnerable children and struggling families.
Our hope is that they feel seen, valued, loved, and celebrated. And with the support of partners like the Ticket to Dream Foundation, we’re able to bring hope to those who need it most.
You, too, can make a difference. Join us in spreading joy and transforming lives, one more child at a time.