Caroline Beckwith is not your ordinary teenager. She may be 17 today but she has always wanted to make people smile. She is aware that there are many ways one can go about doing that. Yet, the path she chose is one that truly makes her a cut above the rest.
You see, Caroline seeks out people who need a smile most – those suffering from cancers and other potentially fatal illnesses. She individually chats with them and finds out their favourite characters before going ahead and purchasing merchandise related to those characters.
From Captain America to Peppa Pig and Nirvana to Mickey Mouse, Caroline Beckwith has designed and created over 44 individualized packages in just over a year, starting at the age of 15. She calls them Caroline’s Cheer Packages and they seem to be doing their job, bringing smiles and giggles to those who need it most.
I got in touch with the young Hero of Kindness - who aspires to be a nurse - to hear first-hand about Caroline’s Cheer Packages.
I loved the idea of a cheer package. How did Caroline's Cheer Packages begin?
Thanks! It began in March 2019. I came across the IG account of a young girl who had neuroblastoma, and her story touched me so much that I asked her mother if I could send a small package. The girl’s reaction to the box was the sweetest thing. I knew I wanted to make more people smile, so in June Caroline’s Cheer Packages was born.
What does a usual cheer package you create consist of?
I’ll ask what the recipient enjoys - favorite activities, colors, animals, characters, etc. Usually I’ll include stuffed animals, coloring books, stickers, toys, novels, slime, fidgets, or art supplies. Each package has a braided friendship bracelet and a handmade card with the recipient’s favorite character on it.
What has the reaction been like from the children and their family?
The reaction has been heartwarming. I’ll often get pictures of the recipient with the package, and sometimes a video or two. I absolutely love making people happy.
How can we help?
People can help Caroline’s Cheer Packages by donating to the fundraiser or purchasing items off of the Amazon wishlist. If anyone wants to help childhood cancer causes in general, they can donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
You can find Caroline’s Cheer Packages online here on Instagram and help her bring a smile to more faces via her GoFundMe page here.
Author's note:
Since 2017, every year, I take up the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge and focus on showcasing lovely real-life heroes from around the world. The aim is to remind you that there is still plenty of good human beings all around you... to inspire you to smile once more.
Want more stories of compassion?
I have Hundreds of 'Heroes of Kindness' to brighten your day here. Earlier editions can be viewed from the links below:
Earlier editions can be viewed from the links below:
2017 edition (Articles - 40, Heroes - 67)
2018 edition (Articles - 34, Heroes - 52)
2019 edition (Articles - 31, Heroes - 42)
2020 edition (Articles - 30, Heroes - 64)
It's great to know these heroes who are not usually appreciated enough.
ReplyDeleteI am sure this effort from your side is going to inspire many to get involved in the efforts of making this world a better place. Great to know about Caroline's initiative. Will check out her page.
ReplyDeleteAmazing teenager...what hidden gems we have in this world of strife and hate. Amazing. Thank you for sharing doc.
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely idea. This reminds me of the time I was hospitalised for an apendectomy at age 8 and my entire class came to see me with a cheer packet of biscuits and chips. I was thrilled beyond words. Sick children especially love getting presents in hospital. Kudos to this teenage angel.
ReplyDeleteWhen I come across stories of teenagers helping selflessly I feel happy. I feel hope that the future of humans is in good hands
ReplyDeleteHow do you find such amazing souls?! You are doing an amazing job, Roshan. Thank you for sharing Caroline's efforts.
ReplyDeleteThat is one inspiring story will have my son read it too. Your series brings so much positivity
ReplyDeleteDeepika Sharma
A lovely gesture from a young girl. Goes on to show that even teenagers can change the world for the better!
ReplyDeleteWow this cheer package idea is really unique. caroline is doing an amazing job at such a young age. more power to her and thank you so much to you for sharing such inspiring journey of amazing people with us. it is really motivating and heartwarming,
ReplyDeletethis is a great initiative. we should never ignore the power of smile, these small things brings on our face.
ReplyDeleteThis amazes me , how in such a young age they think about all this and make it happen. You are doing a great job in creating awareness about real hero's.
ReplyDeleteNice to read about someone who upholds the concept of Happiness is when you see others Happy
ReplyDeleteCaroline's Cheer package is really a wonderful way to bring cheer and happiness. She is really doing an amazing work. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing gesture at a young age..kudos for bringing their good deed to each and every one of us
ReplyDeleteI can't believe at this young age someone is so sincere that could think of it a noble cause to bring the smile on the face of sick people. kudos to the girl!
ReplyDeleteArchana
archusblog
When you cannot do anything bigger for them, atleast make an effort to make them smile.
ReplyDeleteLove to read this series year on year
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how you are carrying on this theme year after year!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Caroline's efforts. So inspiring . Thanks for sharing stories of these heroes
ReplyDeleteJyoti
https://momcaptureslife.com
Such a thoughtful teen. It is never too early to spread kindness via ones gestures.
ReplyDeleteSome 17 year olds: I want my own car, I want designer sneakers, I need the latest smart phone.
ReplyDeleteCaroline: how can I make a sick kid's day a little brighter?
What a wonderful young woman! She will definitely turn out to be a fantastic nurse!
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-z-2021-cant-have-your-cake-and-eat-it.html
Goodie bags for cancer patients sounds such a novel generous idea! More power to Caroline for bringing ahead such initiatives and more power to you for bringing forth such heroes of kindness!
ReplyDeleteWhat a generous idea. Sharing happiness in this cruel world. May God bless such kind souls. And thanks for these posts celebrating these unsung heroes.
ReplyDeleteSreeparna
She is just 17 and such a passionate soul !! Very inspiring. Loving the series of positivity from you. Kudos to you keep the ball rolling.
ReplyDeleteThis seems such a sweet initiative. And to think that shes just 17 is just WOW.
ReplyDelete