West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced on Thursday, Jan. 7, that the Game Changer Initiative’s “Change Their Holiday” promotion succeeded in raising over $50,000 to help area families in just three-and-a-half weeks.
“Together, we were able to make a real difference in the lives of dozens of families and children all across the state, who may not have been able to fully enjoy the holiday season without a little bit of help,” Justice said.
Along with its partners, including the J.W. Ebert Corporation, McDonald’s, Walmart, Pepsi, Par Mar Mountaineer Marts, Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, Jobs & Hope West Virginia and the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, Game Changer made it possible for some 40 families throughout the state to receive an average of $1,200 in gift cards to help facilitate a visit from Santa Claus, and make a holiday meal a reality.
“The holidays are a magical time of year,” Justice said. “Every single child in West Virginia deserves to experience the joy of unwrapping a great present or enjoying a delicious holiday meal, and every parent in West Virginia deserves to be able to provide these kinds of memories that will last a lifetime. The fact that Game Changer was able to raise this kind of money and pull this off in such a short period of time is a testament to the generosity of all the West Virginians and businesses who helped make this promotion a success. I could not be more proud.”
Game Changer, which is one of the largest public-private coalitions of its kind in the United States. The initiative is focused on addressing opioid and substance misuse, as well as many other issues negatively impacting the youth of West Virginia.
Joe Boczek is the executive director of Game Changer and the man responsible for the “Change Their Holiday” promotion coming together so quickly and successfully.
“People who know me know I am rarely speechless, but I can’t put into words the gratitude I have for our sponsors and the people of this fantastic state, not to mention the feeling I experienced when we were handing out the envelopes,” Bosczek said. “The sincere and legitimate appreciation, along with the tears of joy, made this holiday season so special. God Bless Governor Justice for agreeing to help us.”
Justice, who announced his commitment to Game Changer in July of last year, is the “Head Coach” and “General Manager” of the program.
“The Game Changer ‘Change Their Holiday’ program came to us like angels from Heaven,” said Melissa, a mother of five who was aided by the program this past holiday-season.”
Melissa has been in opioid-recovery for almost three years and is on pace to earn a bachelor’s degree this spring. Melissa’s husband lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As so many others have across the state, Melissa’s family had fallen on hard times. Although the two parents refused to let their family go hungry, the children were facing the reality that Santa Claus would not be able to find their house.
“Not only was I speechless when I received the envelope [ ] but I had tears streaming down my face. Times have been a little tough and I was so worried I was going to have to explain to the children why Santa never came. Game Changer certainly changed our holiday. My family and I will never be able to thank them enough,” Melissa said.
“There are many challenges when you are in recovery from opioid and substance misuse,” said Lorrie Smith, program manager for Jobs & Hope West Virginia. “Jobs & Hope is committed to helping those in recovery with a plethora of services. Our collaboration with Game Changer is certainly proving to be worthwhile. I see a bright future as we work together and with so many others to help bring families back together again.”
Boscek, Justice and everyone behind the Game Changer initiative is dedicated to continuing to help Santa Claus find his way to the homes of all West Virginia’s children and helping the families of those struggling with opioid or substance misuse find a light in the dark.
For more information on the Game Changer program, or to learn how you can help, visit wvgamechanger.com.
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