The holiday season is a time when the simple act of giving back can create ripple effects of hope, comfort, and joy. For many families, especially those facing overwhelming medical and financial challenges, the holidays can be more stressful than special. This is where KenCrest’s Rev. Harvey Davis Family Fund makes a difference — transforming generosity into meaningful support during the most critical time of the year.
The Family Fund takes many different forms. Some supporters “adopt” families from our Early Learning Centers to provide gifts from wish lists. Others donate money and gift cards which have provided emergency support during crises such as house fires. At a small chiropractic office in Montgomery County, spreading love to some of our most vulnerable community members has become an annual tradition. Since 2006, the team at Cianci Chiropractic has made it their mission to fill their hallways with bags of donated toys, blankets, books, and toothbrushes — all to make the holidays a little brighter for the children in KenCrest’s Transitional Care Homes for Medically Fragile Children.
“It all started with Janice,” recalls Dr. Chris Cianci. “She was a nurse at the time and told me about the children living at the home. I was working on her when she shared it, and I could barely hold back tears. That’s when I knew — we had to do something.”
And they did, again and again, year after year, for almost 20 years.
Each November, the Cianci team receives a holiday wish list compiled by KenCrest staff. Some children ask for toys or books. Others request essentials like blankets, clothing, or hygiene supplies. One year, a boy received nothing but Spider-Man items from donors who somehow knew his favorite character.
“People call ahead to ask when the list will be ready,” says Ginny Craig, Cianci’s longtime office manager. “Some even bring their own kids or classrooms into it, like Ashley, a former basketball player we sponsored who now teaches special education and gets her students involved.”
The drive has grown so large that in some years, it’s taken three full-sized SUVs just to deliver the donations. The office Christmas tree overflows. So does the hallway. But beyond the sheer volume of gifts lies something even more powerful: connection.
For Dr. Cianci, giving isn’t seasonal — it’s personal. He’s hosted bike rides for diabetes awareness, launched a nonprofit after his wife’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, and once biked 500 miles from Cleveland to Pennsylvania to raise funds. Whether it’s wearing an Easter Bunny suit at a local 5K or organizing a golf outing, his mission is simple: help others.
“It’s just something I’ve always done,” he says. “My mom raised me to help people. And it stuck.”
For families supported by KenCrest, that generosity is life-changing. The children in Transitional Care Homes have complex medical needs, and their families often face immense emotional and financial pressure. In many cases, the children have never spent a holiday at home with their family. That’s where KenCrest’s Family Fund comes in.
The Family Fund provides gifts to families when they need them most. Families receive anything from educational items like books and pencils to toys and winter clothing. Community members can participate by “adopting” a family, sending gifts to KenCrest, or donating cash. Participants can choose to support a small (2-3 people), medium (4-6 people), or large family (7+ people) based on their needs.
That message of support is felt deeply each year when the Cianci Chiropractic team delivers its mountain of holiday cheer. It’s in the smiles. The laughter. The relief. The reminder that people care, even complete strangers.
“There’s something about knowing you’ve made a child’s day a little brighter,” Ginny says. “That’s all the motivation we need.”
KenCrest is proud to partner with individuals and businesses like Cianci Chiropractic, whose dedication reminds us that community isn’t just where we live, it’s how we love.
As another season of giving approaches, we’re reminded that big change often begins with small acts. And that every donation — no matter what size — has the power to make someone feel seen, supported, and deeply loved. ...
Take the Next Step: Spread the Light
Will you join us in making a difference this season? Every gift, no matter the size, helps bring hope, comfort, and joy to families who need it most. Become part of a legacy of kindness — support the KenCrest Family Fund, adopt a family, or invite your friends and colleagues to participate. Together, we can turn compassion into action and brighten lives across our community. Reach out today and help us show that the true spirit of community is found in the love we share.
