GIFT- Giving It Forward, Together

NEWS FLASH!!! ⚡️Each month, GIFT keeps you updated on what’s happening and gives you a glimpse of what’s ahead.

The next few months at GIFT will look a little different, as most of our programs officially kick off in September. But behind the scenes, there’s plenty happening! We’re planning, creating, and preparing—it’s the baking stage, and things are heating up for what promises to be an incredible year.

You can look forward to the experiences you’ve come to know and love from GIFT, along with some exciting new additions we can’t wait to share. Meet our dedicated students…

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Fear is a terrible leader.

At GIFT, one of our guiding principles and onboarding is simple: we don’t make decisions based on fear. gets this and welcome to GIFT.

A few years ago, I somehow got a message to the CEO’s office at Lands’ End asking for quality backpacks for children in need. I received a polite no.

Instead of stopping there, I sent a thank-you and asked which backpack they’d recommend because we don’t compromise on quality for the families we serve.

Then my phone rang.

“How many backpacks do you need?”

A week later, 100 backpacks arrived.

Months after distributing them through local schools and the Latino Community Center, I somehow had 3 backpacks left.

Then came a late-night call.

A woman had just lost her brother. School was starting, and she was overwhelmed. She asked if I happened to have 3 backpacks left.

Exactly 3.

“Yes,” I told her. “Yes, I do.”

I’ve learned that what looks like coincidence often feels a lot like grace.

Fear would have stopped at the first no.

Faith sent the follow-up email.

✨ Leave room for miracles. They don’t always arrive the way you expect.

Welcome Bhavini Patel to the GIFT Board

We are thrilled to welcome Bhavini Patel to the GIFT Board.

Bhavini currently serves as Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh, where she leads cross-sector collaborations focused on sustainability, regional transformation, and building a more equitable and resilient future for southwestern Pennsylvania.

Her career spans public service, civic technology, and policy leadership. In 2023, Bhavini was a congressional candidate for Pennsylvania’s 12th District, advocating for economic development and support for working families. She previously served as Community Outreach Manager in the Office of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, helping connect underserved communities with vital county resources and programs.

Bhavini also co-founded Beamdata, creators of the “Be the Change” platform, which empowered thousands of Pennsylvanians to engage directly with elected officials and strengthen civic participation across the state.

In addition to her professional leadership, Bhavini has contributed extensively through board and advisory service throughout the Pittsburgh region and has played an active role in shaping public policy, including service on Pennsylvania’s Medical Ma*****na Advisory Board.

We are honored to have Bhavini’s vision, experience, and commitment to community impact as part of the GIFT Board and look forward to the leadership and insight she will bring to our mission.

That moment GIFT’s name was affirmed.

Ruth was 93 years old the first time I met her. When I handed her the wrapping paper, she looked at me with confidence and said, “I know how to wrap.”

Ruth had no children of her own, but she was a beloved aunt. One year, I had the opportunity to visit her at home to help wrap presents for children at the children’s hospital. Ruth had dementia, and I was uncertain whether she would be able to wrap a gift—especially since I’m not particularly skilled at gift wrapping myself.

As I struggled alongside Ruth, trying to guide her, I realized that I was the one struggling. She had already finished wrapping her gift and was ready for another.

“Ruth, how in the world did you do that so fast?” I asked.

She smiled and said, “I used to work in the gift-wrapping department at Saks Fifth Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh.” The muscle memory had returned.

It was incredible—but what happened next was even more powerful.

The following year, I brought a gift-wrapping program to an assisted living community with a group of seniors. Among those who joined was Ruth. By then, her dementia had progressed, and she spoke very little. But once the wrapping began, not only did she complete her own gift—she turned to the seniors beside her and gave it forward, teaching and guiding them how to wrap.

That moment truly validated the name GIFT – Giving It Forward Together.

Today, we are honored to continue this mission monthly at four different locations through our intergenerational volunteer program, S2S – Senior to Student, bringing seniors and students together to connect, serve, and give forward—together.

Every opportunity we have to engage our seniors and restore a sense of dignity and purpose is at the heart of our mission. Everyone deserves dignity, and giving back is one powerful way to create it.