In 2003, Jennifer Krassinger, GiFT's Founder and a Registered Nurse in NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit), began recognizing a need among the babies she cared for. Some of their families were unable to get the most basic essentials when it was time for their baby to make the transition from the NICU to home. With help from a NICU social worker, Jennifer set out to recruit family and friends to help one NICU family in need around the holiday season. ​

 

The effort became a family tradition known as The Holiday Project and support grew each year. In 2010, Holiday Project support surged and this is the point when Jennifer realized that momentum around the effort could be harnessed and benefit NICU families throughout the calendar year. 

 

GiFT began with the launch of our Destination Home program, developed in collaboration with NICU social workers to address this basic gap in service. GiFT became incorporated in the state of Missouri and obtained 501(c)(3) tax exempt status in 2011. GiFT continues to develop and expand the Destination Home program, now serving hundreds of NICU families each year.