Aaron's Presents

Aaron’s Presents was started in 2013 as a way to honor the memory of Aaron Makaio Schneider, who was born on June 19, 2013 and lived 8 ½ days. In this short time, he touched the lives of many people without uttering a word, but by demonstrating his strength of spirit, his will to live, his ability to elicit love and compassion, and the fragility of human life. The thought of building a collection of kind, thoughtful acts that were done by other young children because of his short but meaningful life brought his family hope in a time of sadness.

Our goal is to encourage children from an early age to start to view their lives in terms of what they can give, rather than what they can expect to receive, at every age and stage of their lives. Through the process, they start to regard themselves as members of a community, with the ability and responsibility to contribute, help and problem-solve, to think of others’ needs alongside their own, and to create meaningful connections between themselves and other human beings. We believe that this outlook will infuse their lives, actions and achievements with purpose, meaning, true happiness and a way to cope and heal through difficult times. In the process, they will also learn valuable leadership and project management skills.

In the Spring of 2014, we piloted the program at the Lowell Community Charter Public School in Lowell, MA and the Youth Development Organization after-school program in Lawrence, MA. We worked with 26 children in 8th grade or younger on 12 wonderful projects that directly impacted over 1,000 people. We celebrated with them at a joyful event in June, where they each spoke with such honesty and pride about what they had accomplished for the benefit of others.

Please visit our website to learn more about what these kids accomplished! www.aaronspresents.org

Thank you for your generosity in making more projects possible this year! Our goal is to fund every feasible, completed application that comes our way, so every donation is incredibly appreciated and helpful!

                                     --Leah Okimoto, Founder