Central New Yorkers have the chance to bring joy to more than 1,000 children through the Regan’s Acts of Kindness Ornament Drive.
The 501c3 charity was started after the death of 3-year-old Regan Shetsky, who was hit by a car and killed in her nursery school parking lot in Syracuse. She was holding her father, Mark’s, hand at the time.
For the seventh year, the organization is collecting new ornaments to give to babies born at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, and children at Golisano Children’s Hospital, Upstate Cancer Center, Joslin Diabetes Center, McMahon Ryan Advocacy Center, Elmcrest Children’s Center, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The ornament drive was born from Regan’s love of all things Christmas.
“Giving out ornaments seems like such a small, inconsequential act of kindness, but it brings smiles to so many faces,” said Kelly Shetsky, Regan’s mom, and president of Regan’s Acts of Kindness. “We are brightening the lives of children facing challenges, whether it’s battling medical conditions or residing in temporary homes. In a world that craves more kindness, we are delighted to make a positive impact.”
These local businesses are collecting ornaments:
• Big Mike’s Service Center – 7459 Morgan Road, Liverpool
• Bug, Bear & Bean Candles – 2721 James St., Syracuse
• Cam’s Pizza – 112 Kasson Road, Camillus
• East Area YMCA – 200 Towne Dr., Fayetteville
• Glazed and Confused – 211 N. Clinton St., Syracuse
• Manlius YMCA – 140 W. Seneca St., Manlius
• Mom’s Diner – 501 Westcott St., Syracuse
• Once Upon a Child – 5775 Bridge St., E. Syracuse
• Playday – 4999 W. Taft Road., Liverpool
• Sal’s Pizza – 41 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville
• Syracuse Fire Department Credit Union – 211 Wilkinson St., Syracuse
People can also order from an Amazon Wish List: https://tinyurl.com/RegansOrnamentDrive2023
“Year after year, we genuinely appreciate the unwavering support of this fantastic community,” said Shetsky. “Together, we are impacting so many lives; one act of kindness at a time.”
More information is available on the charity’s public Facebook page: Facebook.com/RegansActsofKindness.