2 year old Eric gives Santa Claus (Mr. Kanaga) a high five
after visiting with him at University Hospital's Ireland Cancer Center in Cleveland. Supporting The Children of
University Hospital's Ireland Cancer Center
Established in 1989
As the holidays approach, people often get consumed in all of the hustles and bustles the season brings. We are all concerned about our families and loved ones, but with Christmas comes the awareness of many other causes that ask for our support. The most heartbreaking of these involves the illness of a child. A program at Nordonia High School, Independence High School and Brecksville-Broadview Ht. Middle School is aimed at bringing joy and comfort to suffering children and their loved ones during the holiday season. The program is called "Gifts From the Heart" and is organized by Mr. & Mrs. Kanaga. The Kanaga's along with the support of many NHS, IHS & BBHMS teachers & students-athletes help bring smiles to terminally ill children's faces.
"Gifts From the Heart" is in its 20th year. Mr. Kanaga and his friend John Gielink started it in 1989 in honor of Mr. Kanaga's twin brother Glenn. Glenn was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in his senior year of high school. After a hard fought battle with the disease, Glenn went into remission in 1989 and remains cancer-free today. Mr. Kanaga has been actively campaigning to help kids since 1984 through such organizations as The American Cancer Society, The Make A Wish Foundation and "Gifts From the Heart".
How can you help support "Gifts From The Heart", you ask? You can help in two ways. First, anyone can make a monetary donation. We ask that ALL monetary donations be in the form of a check made payable to "Gifts From the Heart". Secondly, anyone can purchase a gift for a patient. We ask that gifts be NEW and UNWRAPPED. It is best to buy for a boy or girl age one to eight years old. It is important that Mr. Kanaga, receive either type of donation before Friday, December 18, 2009. Any gift given is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use.
The reason "Gifts From the Heart" has been extremely successful over the years is due largely to the wonderful support we have received from the School Community. In order to continue our success this year and for years to come, we need your help. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Kanaga at Nordonia High School (330) 908-6199 ext. 5261 or by email at gary.kanaga@nordoniaschools.org.
Thank-you for your support!
Gifts may be mailed or dropped off to:
Mr. Kanaga
Nordonia High School
8006 S. Bedford
Macedonia, Ohio 44056
Mrs. Kanaga
Central School
27 Public Square
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
Mrs. Ribovich
Independence High School
6001 Archwood Rd.
Independence, Ohio 44131
From Our Family to Yours,
Happy Holidays!
Mr. Gary Kanaga
President and Nordonia High School Teacher
Mrs. Stacy Kanaga
Co-Chairman and Brecksville-Broadview Hts. Middle School Teacher
Mr. Rob Merhar
Co-Chairman and Nordonia Middle School Teacher/Coach
Mrs. Susan Ribovich
Co-Chairman and Independenc HS Teacher/Coach
