Last year, Natalia Panico, senior, and her family members huddled around the 100+ toys they had received for the holidays. An assortment of board games, coloring books, and action figures were wrapped and ready to be opened on Christmas morning; but it was not for the Panicos.  All the toys would be donated to Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

“I was born on Christmas Day, so people’s first reactions are always, ‘You’re so lucky that you get double the presents.’ My parents always wanted to make sure that everything was equal between me and my brothers so they gave me separate Christmas presents and birthday presents,” Panico said. “I would have so many gifts on that one day of the year that I didn’t need at all, so my parents taught me to give some of them to people that are less fortunate than me. I would split my presents in half, and my parents would take me to bring them to local places like Goodwill. Last year, I had the idea to actually try and collect items so that I had more than five or six to give.”

Last year, Panico started to collect toys from different family members and businesses, along with putting in some of her own money towards the hospital toys.

“I put in about $150 of my own money last year. I reach out to friends and family through social media and I either pick the items up from their house or they drop them off to mine. Last year, my biggest supporter was Brilliant Sky Toys and Books,” Panico said. “I was working there at the time and they gave me about 30 items to donate. They’re always great when it comes to donating. A few more big supporters are my mom, my dad, and my grandparents. Tons of friends and family donated, too, which I was very grateful for.”

While Panico initially chose Anna and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago last year to support her friend, she continued to research different charities and organizations that she could aid for this holiday season.

“My childhood friend, Alysia Gritsonis, spent a large amount of time in that hospital and I had to see her struggle when we were so young. She told me how the nurses would come around with big carts of toys and the kids would get to pick from them which brightened their dark days. I knew that the hospital is something that I needed to donate to since they helped my friend through those terrible times,” Panico said. “This year I chose Lake County Haven. The Haven’s shelter program features a comprehensive array of services designed to transition a woman and her children beyond homelessness and towards independent living. I chose this shelter because I know that things can get tough during the holidays for people who are not as fortunate as a lot of us are, so our donations will be able to help these women and children get back onto their feet and we can spread a little bit of joy to their holiday season.”

Katia Panico, Natalia’s mom’ is more than happy to see Natalia collecting toys for the holidays.

“I grew up in a very giving family, and it warms my heart as a mother to see that the same qualities have come through in my own child. I have always taught my children that it is the season of giving and not receiving. They were born lucky, many children are not. My dining room table is already filling up with household supplies and gift cards for these unfortunate kids. To me, my heart is full of pride,” Katia said. “Lake Zurich is a very giving community, and the Panicos are so blessed to have met people who support our daughter.  It is the season of giving.  Natalia is a special girl and has and will continue to  bring smiles to others during many holiday seasons.”

This year, Natalia wants to donate over double the amount she collected last year. However, collecting supplies is not the only thing that she wants to accomplish over the holidays.

“My goal for this year is to collect over 200 items. Most of the items on The Haven’s wishlist are smaller, inexpensive things so these donations will not be as expensive as toys which is why I’m looking to collect double the amount,” Natalia said. “Another goal of mine is to teach people that starting a collection is very easy. If you put in a little work, you can create something really great that can make multiple lives better. The holidays are about giving, not receiving.”