AuPairCare's Second Annual Gift of Giving Event

In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, two AuPairCare Area Directors from Dallas, Texas wanted to share the gift of giving with their au pairs and host families by partnering with their local children’s hospital, Scottish Rite. Together they organized their second annual Gift of Giving event that was sure to warm the hearts of the children and their families in residency.

Inspired to create care packages for the children and their families, Area Directors Judy and Leslie received a wish list from the hospital and sent it to their local host families and au pairs in hopes that they would be able to join them in buying new items for the patients. A few days later, the two set up gift-packing stations at the Allan Shivers Park located just outside the hospital.

AuPairCare families and au pairs at gift of giving event

Au pairs and their families brought donated items like stuffed animals, toys, stickers, and then spent time adding personal notes and wrapping up the gifts. Once all the gifts were wrapped, everyone grabbed a gift bag and made their way to the hospital. Walking from room to room, the au pairs and host families surprised the children and their families with goodies and toys. This was the first Thanksgiving-themed event for many of the au pairs and each one of them happily embraced the tradition of giving back. One family even stated that

…walking into the rooms and seeing the happiness and surprise on their faces was wonderful. This was an experience our family won’t forget!

aupaircare families and au pairs at the hospital

By the end of the day, the au pairs – and their host families - left with smiling faces and a new connection to the American Thanksgiving holiday. Many of the au pairs shared they really appreciated the experience and hoped to do it again! An au pair from Brazil stated,

This was an amazing experience. It was very fun to see all the children brighten up when they saw us. Although it also was very sad at the same time. I am very happy that I got to experience this part of Thanksgiving!

Overall, everyone had a wonderful time and truly understood the gift of giving.

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