August 6, 2024
When high school classmates Rawan Ibrahim, Alison Rodriguez, and Nikita Nayunipati first explored creating a community service initiative, it all seemed a bit intimidating.
“During my freshman year I wanted to start something that would be good for the community, but getting started was a little scary,” shares Rawan. “I learned through this experience that it gets easier after the first step—and the impact is so worth it.”
The three students established The Gifting Foundation intending to help patients feel more positive and comfortable during their hospital stay. As a team, they partner with local businesses to raise funds and purchase gifts that they personally deliver to local hospitals.
In 2024, Rawan, Alison, and Nikita generously delivered 200 gifts to the Hartford Hospital Volunteer Services department that were distributed to patients in the hospital’s care.
“I was very happy to connect with this group of high school students who clearly recognize that small things can make a big difference to people experiencing a health challenge,” stated Eileen Pelletier, Director of Volunteer Services. “Their time and efforts have had a wide impact, and hopefully their experiences will lead them to continue exploring avenues of service and philanthropy through their lives and inspire others to do the same.”
“Our Hartford Hospital delivery focused primarily on kids,” shares Alison. “We delivered coloring books, reading books, stuffed toys, erasers, slap bracelets. Being able to help others is an eye-opening experience that I think everyone should try.”
“People have been supportive of what we’re doing and we are very grateful,” adds Nikita. “We have fun packing the gifts with our friends and it has been really nice building memories together and seeing our community come together and support our cause.”
“I had my own medical experience, so this felt like a full circle moment for me,” shares Rawan. “The hospital helped me in the past and now I get to help them help others.
“I learned that it’s so easy to start something like this and make a positive impact,” Rawan continues. “Even if you don’t have the details worked out and don’t know how to start it, just step forward. You should still try to do it.”
As they head into a busy senior year and prepare for college, the three students remain committed to continuing The Gifting Foundation and its mission well beyond their high school years.
“Even though we don’t get to see the patients’ reactions ourselves, seeing how helpful this has been for the staff has motivated us to expand our efforts,” says Nikita. “It was nice to go to Hartford Hospital, learn more about Volunteer Services, and see how the hospital is connected inside.”
“I think we each agree that it was wonderful working with the people we met at Hartford Hospital,” adds Alison. “They were so nice, so welcoming, and eager to show us what they were doing to help patients. I would love to motivate other students to do something like this. You may think it’s hard, but it only takes one step—and all the hard work is worth it.”