Pediatric cancer is a difficult battle for children all around the world. One handmade gift basket at a time, Scottie’s Gift Foundation Club members do their part to bring comfort to these patients.
“This club is unique, because we all come together to help others to make [pediatric cancer patients] happy with our art and our happy cards. We try to cheer up other people,” said Club Secretary Natalia Bharaj (‘27).
What is Scottie’s Gift Foundation?
Scottie’s Gift Foundation is a non-profit organization that creates gift baskets for newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Stanford Children’s Hospital. Amador Valley’s Scottie’s Gift Foundation club collaborates closely with the organization.
“Our mission comes from Scott, [who] unfortunately passed away a few years ago. His dream was to make baskets for kids who were struggling like him because he was so bored in the hospital,” said Club Founder and Parliamentarian Kaitlyn Rim (‘27).
Scott Kienhofer was just 16 years old and attending Foothill High School when he was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma. After his passing, his mother, Bridget Kienhofer, founded Scottie’s Gift Foundation. The Foundation works to further Scott’s legacy and bring joy to others fighting the same battle.
“You can touch so many different people’s lives, and you can really see the impact that you make,” said Club President Savannah Stoehr (‘27).
Small Crafts With a Big Impact
Amador’s Scottie’s Gift Foundation club brings students together through fun and engaging acts of kindness. Different crafts are incorporated into gift baskets given to patients.
“We have so many more fun crafts planned, like making origami together… decorating journals, stuff like that. We come together to do something fun,” said Bharaj.
Students can connect together in a welcoming environment, in addition to making a lasting impact on others’ lives.
“Mrs. Kienhofer has come and she has given reports on how [the club] really changes the kids’ outlook on life once they receive the gift basket. It kind of gives them the motivation to keep fighting,” said Stoehr.
