WESTFORD — A local holiday tradition is marking its 20th year, preparing to bring joy to children and families in need this season.
“For The Love of Erika,” a nonprofit founded in memory of 7-year-old Westford resident Erika Gould, will host its annual holiday celebration this December at Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton. The event is part of the organization’s winter toy drive, which delivers gifts to hospitals, shelters, and the Department of Children and Families across Massachusetts and in New Hampshire.
The charity began in 2005, when Erika and her best friend, Taylor Leong, started collecting gifts for children in local hospitals. Erika passed away from brain cancer shortly after Thanksgiving that year. Together, the pair collected 75 gifts that year.
“That was before we were able to distribute anything, and I had said to Taylor, ‘What would you like to do?’ and she said, ‘Well, Mommy, we have to give these out.’ So what started as an initial small toy drive to give to local children in hospitals has just grown over the years,” said Laura Goodman, Leong’s mother and one of the nonprofit’s organizers.
What started as a small gesture grew into a regional effort that has collected about 23,000 gifts over the past 20 years. This year, the nonprofit is accepting donations for adults as well as children.
“In our 20th year, we would really love to be able to give the children something on Christmas Day, but also the parents,” Goodman said. “Some of these parents are also young parents, teen parents…Regardless of age, it would be nice to be able to give every guest something.”
Since 2008, the nonprofit has expanded its mission to include holiday parties for homeless families. Past celebrations were held at Jump On In facilities, where they would host families from 8 to 12 shelters.
In 2014, when Taylor was a freshman at Lawrence Academy, Gibbet Hill Grill reached out to her after hearing about “For The Love of Erika.” Gibbet Hill has hosted the “For The Love of Erika” holiday parties every year since providing its space, food and staff.
The annual event features games, crafts, music, face painting, airbrush tattoos, balloon artists and a visit from Santa, who distributes gifts to families. Up to 225 guests are expected to be bused in for this year’s celebration. Many volunteers are children and teens, reflecting the group’s belief that the effort is “for children, by children.”
Goodman said community support has been critical. Westford public schools, Girl Scouts and the Westford Academy National Honor Society have been among the strongest contributors, with Blanchard Middle School donating about 800 gifts annually.
“For The Love of Erika” accepts new, unwrapped gifts for all ages, as well as gift cards. Donations support gift deliveries to Lowell General Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and Emerson Hospital.
“For The Love of Erika” is eager to welcome new volunteers and young leaders who want to help collect gifts or support the event.
“For any young families or students interested in getting involved, it would be amazing,” Goodman said.
The charity encourages local residents to contribute by donating toys or funds and joining volunteer efforts leading up to the event.
