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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. We provide 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 honored to have partnered with the YMCA. They have a swimming safety program that aligns perfectly with our safety initiative. The program is SAW—Safety Around Water.
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.
Continue reading to discover more...
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 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.
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
Our Sports Scholarship program is the heartbeat of our nonprofit. Why? When kids participate in sports or other extracurricular activities, they become focused and engaged, dedicating their time to meaningful pursuits. This is crucial—it keeps their minds occupied with positive activities and reduces idle time, which can lead to trouble.
Please visit our Sports Scholarship page to learn more and discover how Joey's Gifts can help your family! Learn about the steps it takes to qualify for a scholarship.
Our Safety System Programs
Joey's tragically 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’ve gathered crucial information about potential threats that every parent should know. Empower yourself with effective strategies to ensure your children’s safety.
Click the button below to learn more!
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. Their unwavering effort to provide essential medical treatment, nourishing meals, and safe foster homes is endless. Their commitment ensures that every scared and helpless animal has a chance to find a loving forever home.
Please Discover How You Can Be Involved.
“Grief is love with no place to go.”
―Karen Gibbs
Check out our Blog on Grief