Kindness: The gift that keeps on giving

When Mikayla Colwell’s grandfather, Randy Hannika, passed away earlier this year, she felt a strong desire to do something to “give back” to individuals who were in their last stages of life, in hospice care. 

Through her close personal relationship with her grandfather and watching the struggles he endured during those final few days of his life, she made a promise to herself to help other families who were experiencing these same challenging times. 

Colwell, 16, was crowned National American Miss Ohio Jr. Teen in 2013, and during that time her personal foundation was formed, Crowning Hearts Inc. 
 

Colwell's first official campaign hit close to home. Through Hospice of Hope, she was able to bring numerous, beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts to the home of Hospice of Hope patient Tim Jenkins and his family. Donations from various individuals and area businesses were delivered to the home, all possible through Colwell’s foundation. 

Jenkins was simply speechless after he and his family opened the abundance of gifts. 

“To say thank you just wouldn’t be enough.  I really appreciate all you’ve done for myself and my family,” Jenkins said.
 
“My hope is that this simple act of kindness will help to ease some of the stress that occurs for families, especially during the holiday season,” Colwell said. “Sometimes the best gifts are the ones given and not received.”