The seeds of Bryce's Giving Tree were planted in the uncertain days of December 2020, amidst the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. But its roots reach back further, to the five months our family spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Our son, Bryce, arrived in 2018 at just 24 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 5 ounces. It was here, in that overwhelming space, that a remarkable doctor revealed a simple truth: reading to premature babies significantly aids their brain development. Something WE CAN DO! For us, it was more than just a medical fact—it was a lifeline. Reading to our tiny son offered us a quiet, comforting way to connect with him, creating a cherished memory we will always hold dear. The NICU can be a (very) scary and isolating place, and we knew we wanted to give back and help other families find that same comfort. We started a modest book collection drive, which quickly blossomed into an incredible community effort. Donations had flooded in, and our first delivery of 206 books went to the hospital that cared for Bryce at that time. When our story was shared on NBC 5, our mission touched hearts nationwide, from California to Florida. Over the last few years, we have maintained local focus and continue to support the tiniest of fighters with the gift of reading. Bryce's Giving Tree is a holiday mission fueled by the generosity of so many. What began as a small gesture is now a movement creating a legacy of reading and bonding. Bryce, now seven, is a testament to the power of stories. Every night, he excitedly grabs a book, reminding us why we started it all. This initiative was started by our family to provide heartfelt support to other families with babies in the NICU. Although we are not yet a non-profit, we are working toward that goal.
