Operation Xmas Jammies was started by the Schmidt family with a simple mission to provide a pair of jammies to children with Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) at Christmas-time.  Their inspiration came from their son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with PKS at the age of 5.  PKS is a rare genetic condition with less than 500 others diagnosed throughout the world.  Their family found that during the holidays, it can be challenging for others to know what gifts to give as children with PKS often don’t know how to play with toys as other children would.  As a way to spread awareness and cheer during the holidays, Nicole Schmidt began a “Giving Tree”. 

The Giving Tree began as a way for their community to visually see other beautiful children with PKS and make their holiday brighter by giving a gift Nicole knew all children would love, a pair of jammies.  Their small community began to sponsor hundreds of children with PKS across the world and have given over 265 pairs of jammies across 17 countries.  This small, but sweet token of kindness became so well received for all participants that it inspired their live giving tree to go virtual, a name for this mission called Operation Xmas Jammies.  This mission has fostered relationships, built community, and has inspired the Schmidt family to expand their passion to create awareness for other rare genetic conditions through their new non-profit organization, Project 12-04.  Make someone’s day just a little bit brighter and harness the spirit of giving by sponsoring a Xmas jammie gift box this holiday season. 

After several successful years of a Giving Tree through local PKS Day events, the Schmidt family realized that the power of gifting a pair of jammies not only supports the child, but lifts the spirits of the entire family.  The power of gift giving can change the mindset of families who may dread the holidays because their child is different and may be challenging to buy for.  These jammies represent all their child is and how special they are.  

The Schmidt family and close friends realized the positive impact for all who participated, and wanted to open it up to the world.  The virtual giving tree and the generosity of people like you have made so many children and families feel special, loved, comforted, supported, and a part of a bigger community. 

Operation Xmas Jammies will continue to engage with special children and their families across the world.  Each year, we want to recognize more children with rare genetic disorders to share their stories with new people, new communities, and new friends.  

Those who participate in sponsoring a Xmas Jammie Gift Box for a special child will receive information about that child such as a cute photo, what their rare disorder is, what makes them unique, and what they enjoy.  The children and families receiving the Xmas Jammie Gift Box will not only get a curated gift, but will also have the opportunity to engage with Project 12-04, their local communities, and other families who may have similar stories.  Our hope is that Operation XMas Jammies fosters conversations about what it is like to have a child with unique needs, what the needs of the family are, and how a community can help.  This in return strengthens the community we live in or maybe provides support from afar while creating awareness about children with rare genetic disorders.

To brighten a special child’s day, you can sponsor a Xmas Jammie Gift Box which provides them with a pair of Xmas jammies and other hand picked accessories to complete the gift.  The Xmas Jammie Gift Box is focused on all the child IS, and to make them and their family know that they are loved.

Not only does it brighten the affected child’s day, it warms the heart of the entire family.  We have heard reports of siblings in the past who can’t wait for their brother or sister to get their special package in the mail at Xmas!  

Operation Xmas Jammies is a way for people to get to know a unique story which in turn creates awareness, facilitates friendships, and helps the community grow in kindness and empathy for these children.