Resident brings people together to share holiday spirit with family in need

Nov. 17, 2020 | Sarah Heinonen
sarah@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE – On Nov. 8, Chicopee resident Christine Ramponi was struck with inspiration. She knew many people in Western Massachusetts were struggling financially. She decided she could help by enlisting people in the community to give a family in need a Christmas tree for the holidays and gifts to go under it. She is calling the project “413 Giving Tree.”

“I’ve always helped out when I can. I’ve worked with organizations,” Ramponi said, but 413 Giving Tree was something for which she would need to bring people together, herself. Ramponi posted a message in Facebook community forums for Springfield, Hampden and South Hadley.

“Would anyone be interested in donating a toy, a gift for parents, Christmas tree decor, money for [a] tree, or even help delivering locally or anything to help make a family’s Christmas extra special this year who can’t afford it,” she asked in her post.

After just three days, Ramponi had received offers of various forms of help from over 30 people, who come from towns all over the region, including Wilbraham, Springfield and South Hadley.

“I knew people would be interested. I’ve seen a lot of generous people, but I was moved,” Ramponi told Reminder Publishing. Instead of receiving support from organizations, she said, “Basically, it’s individuals who are coming together.”

After the word got out through social media, Ramponi said that a few small businesses have even offered some things for the family.” She added that she was thankful for their help since “small businesses are struggling with COVID.”

Now that Ramponi had a group of individuals who wanted to help someone, she needed to find a family in need.

“I knew somebody that served in the military and I had an inkling that he might know somebody in need. He came up with somebody right away,” Ramponi said. The person she was put in contact with is a local veteran and parent to a teenager. Ramponi did not want the recipient’s name used to respect their privacy.

Ramponi said the person was surprised and humbled by the spontaneous act of generosity when she contacted them to ask for a wishlist for themselves and their child. Using the wishlists, community members have a guide to give the family a personalized holiday season.

The tree and presents will be delivered on Nov. 22, along with a full Thanksgiving dinner, courtesy of some of the helpers who have joined Ramponi in the project.

Ramponi said that she and the team of community members who have helped create 413 Giving Tree are planning to help other families and are in the process of finding recipients.

“I definitely would be open to seeing where it goes. Our community, 413, is a really great community with a lot of generous people,” she said.

For more information about 413 Giving Tree, email Ramponi at 413givingtree@gmail.com.

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