Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation Provides Special Experience for Young Patients in Hospitals Across Five States

Los Angeles, CA, November 19, 2015– The Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation has announced its 2015 Count On Me Holiday Shops in six children’s hospitals across the nation. Count On Me has provided Holiday Shops to hospitals since the Foundation began in 2005, and 2015 marks a special milestone. The Holiday Shops began in Atlanta where Jim and Shannon Mora originally founded their nonprofit foundation. When the Mora’s moved from Atlanta to Seattle, and then to Los Angeles in 2012, Count On Me continued to provide Holiday Shops in each of those cities every year. This year the Foundation actively sought to expand beyond its “home” cities and add the Holiday Shops to Pheonix and New Orleans.

This program is too special to keep to ourselves. Why not include hospitals anywhere in the country – we don’t have to live in a particular city to have a positive impact on the people there”, says Shannon Mora, Vice President and co-founder of the Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation.

Count On Me Holiday Shops provide children in long-term hospital care during the holiday season the chance to “go shopping” for gifts for their loved ones. “Pop-up shops” are created right in the hospital and young patients are able to select gifts for their parents or guardians from a varied selection of items in a festive, colorful setting. Volunteers assist the youngsters at the gift wrapping station where they have an opportunity to get creative with wrapping their gifts. Volunteers visit patients unable to leave their room with carts loaded down with gifts so they can participate as well. While the children “shop”, parents and family members are treated to a brief respite at their own special “reception” area laden with snacks, beverages and holiday cheer. Infant patients are given soft baby blankets and toddlers are treated to a special goodie bag, ensuring every child in long‐term care to a warm and cheery “shopping” day.

“When you see the looks in the eyes of these kiddos and the giant smiles on their faces, you can’t help but want to make sure every child in the hospital during the holidays has their chance to “turn the tables” and give back to their loved ones – those parents or guardians that they know have given up their normal day to day lives to care for them during these long hospital stays”, says Shannon Mora,

About the Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation: The Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation supports children in need primarily in three target areas: low socio-economic backgrounds, mentally and/or physically challenged children and children at risk. We strive to empower children through our outreach programs as well as to lend support to children’s charities through monetary grants and partnerships. Our goal is to help children improve their lives by building and instilling confidence; encouraging health, wellness and safety; fostering learning opportunities; and using the sport of football as a springboard to talk about life and life lessons. The Foundation raises funds, provides community programs and promotes awareness in support of children’s charities and organizations whose mission aligns with theirs, giving children the opportunity to realize their potential and achieve their dreams. To learn more about Count On Me visit www.countonmefoundation.org.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Shari' Mills, Director of Communications at 619-917-3635 or email at shari.m@comff.org.