I am heading into the holiday season full of community + gratitude.

Hello! Giveback Day 2022 was such an unforgettable experience. With the help of this community, Hello! Giveback Day helped declutter + organize a home for a local family of twin 5-year-olds who recently suffered a very sudden death of their mom. 

We raised money for proper junk removal, new shelves + bins from Target to organize all the toys, felt hangers to hang both the dad’s and twin’s clothing as well as create a brand-new space for eating and homework.

Their older sister has stepped in to help care for them while also working full time. The home has been in the family for 25 years and has accumulated a lot of items. Since the passing of their mom, organizing and decluttering has been the last thing on their mind.

So that’s where we came in.

As the older sister of the twins said, “I’m still in shock. You gave our family a functional home again and we could not be more grateful. We could have never in a million years been able to do this.”

The face on little Jax when he saw his toy room for the first time made me tear up and the hug that Amber gave me are moments that will stay with me forever.

I feel extremely grateful for the volunteers that helped me. In no particular order…

Junk Remedy gave us a significant discount and picked up half a driveway’s worth of trash including old mattresses and TVs.

Kate Fanselow donated lunch from Algonquin Sub Shop to feed our army as well as her time (the desk would not have been emptied and organized without her).

Kathryn + Danielle from The Neat Method tackled the toys and new eating area. Total transformation!

Ashley Bosnick captured moments I didn’t even think were possible. She is truly an artist and has a heart of rainbows. 

Jennifer Hissa used her kitchen expertise and organized the kitchen shelves.

And the many friends, family + clients who donated money, gift cards and materials.

Within 12 hours, we were able to:

1. Properly and safely store their mom’s personal items they wish to keep + preserve.
2. Remove all trash, recycling + donations items from home.
3. Consign an entire van full of unused kid’s furniture, toys and clothes via Rhea Lana’s VIP Consignment Service.
4. Remove desk + begin to organize papers, bills + office supplies.
5. Organize all toys + create a new craft, homework + eating area that was previously the desk + office area.
6. Organize + declutter twin’s bedroom.
7. Organize dad’s bedroom, including dressers + closet.
8. Clean out + declutter the split-level basement including bar area.
9. Clear out trash + unwanted items from garage.
10. Organize backstock kitchen food from garage.
11. Organize kitchen shelves, disposing of expired foods.

Check out below for some before and afters! 

Two of my favorite transformations...

The Twin's Bedroom Closet Before + After & Office turned back into a toy room