2013 Trees of Hope benefits nine Delaware families touched by breast cancer

Through most of November and December, Tanger Outlet Center of Rehoboth Beach once again collected Christmas gifts for Delaware families who have been touched by breast cancer. Gifts were also donated by residents of Canary Creek development in Lewes. The Tanger Outlet Center, along with Cole Haan, Vineyard Vines, and Jones New York displayed countertop signs with a Christmas tree and paper ornaments filled with families’ wish list items that could be removed and purchased by shoppers. Those who donated gifts received a plush moose stuffed animal inscribed with DBCC’s initials from Tanger.

Dec. 18 at the Rehoboth Beach Hampton Inn, DBCC staff members Lois Wilkinson, Connie Holdridge, and Sue Ryan along with 13 volunteers wrapped hundreds of gifts and gift cards for the families. The items were distributed by DBCC to one family in New Castle County, four in Kent County, and four from Sussex County. Eight family members are in treatment for breast cancer, and one family recently lost a mother to breast cancer.

For Lois Wilkinson, the most memorable part of Trees of Hope is delivering the presents to the families. She said, “The expressions on the faces of the children and the parents when we drop off the gifts are irreplaceable. Breast cancer takes a considerable financial toll on these families. I feel like we are doing our part to spread Christmas cheer.”

DBCC works with Tanger Outlet Center throughout the year to support breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts. Recently, Tanger presented DBCC with a $46,408.66 check raised from TangerStyle Pink card sales in September and October.

As the fourth annual event came to a close, Holdridge expressed her gratitude to Tanger Outlets. She said, “Tanger is a strong partner for DBCC and the Delaware community. We love working with General Manager Amy Norgate and Assistant General Manager Matt Oliver. They are passionate and committed to the fight against breast cancer right here in Delaware. It’s great to know that together we can make a great impact on our community.”

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is a 501c3 organization offering statewide programs and services of education, outreach, and early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Its mission is to create a community where every person diagnosed with breast cancer is a survivor, and fear and doubt are replaced with knowledge and hope. DBCC helps women with low incomes or those with little or no insurance to receive free or reduced-cost care.

For more information about the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, call 866-312-DBCC (3222) or visit www.debreastcancer.org.