A Donation Wrapped in Healing
Three months after losing his wife Lola to cancer, Alan walked through the doors of Catholic Charities Marisol Homes carrying a donation wrapped in love, memory and healing. In his arms were more than two dozen Warmies—weighted, lavender-scented stuffed animals designed to calm anxiety. But these were more than just toys—they were part of a legacy.
“These were really important to Lola during her illness,” Alan said softly. “She was sick for three and a half years and when she couldn’t do much anymore—when most of the day was just lying still—these little things brought her real comfort.”
Lola’s Final Wish
As Lola’s health declined, she made a heartfelt request. In place of flowers or traditional gifts, she asked that friends and family send Warmies so they could be passed along to others in need.
“Her hope was that they could bring a bit of peace and love to someone else,” Alan said.
The couple created an Amazon wishlist of items that shelters needed—things like toys, warm boots and cleaning supplies. Soon, packages were arriving daily, stacking up under their Christmas tree.
“She was insistent on having one last good Christmas,” Alan said. “And part of that joy was knowing the donations would help someone else.”
Discovering Marisol Homes
Though they originally donated to multiple shelters during that first drive, Lola later came across Catholic Charities and the mission of Marisol Homes. She was deeply moved by the idea that children entering the shelter—many fleeing domestic violence or crisis—might be greeted with a soft toy to hold on their first night.
“She told me, ‘Every child deserves to feel safe on their first night,’” Alan remembered. “That’s where she wanted the Warmies to go.”
While she wasn’t well enough to visit in person, Lola made it clear that Catholic Charities should be a part of their family’s giving tradition in the future.
The First Delivery—and a Moment of Joy
After Lola passed, Alan sat with the donations for weeks.
“They weren’t mine,” he said. “They were hers. But when our anniversary was coming up, I knew she’d want this. It gave the day meaning.”
When Alan arrived at Marisol Homes with the toys, he saw children holding and playing with them—some hugging them close, some giggling at the scents and textures. It was his first moment of joy in days.
“This weekend is tough. Sunday is our anniversary. And a week from today is three months since she passed. But seeing those kids today? That’s going to carry me through.”
A Growing Mission: The Drive
The delivery to Marisol Homes is just the beginning. Alan plans to continue what Lola started. He’ll continue to collect donations during the holidays and deliver them to shelters and services that often go overlooked.
“We want to support places that don’t always get the spotlight,” Alan explained. “Places that still need love and help, just maybe not as many people think to give to them.”
Some of the Warmies went to Children’s Hospital in honor of Lola’s sister, who passed just months before Lola. The rest went to Marisol Homes, just as Lola had hoped.
Advice for Others in Grief
When asked if he had any advice for others going through a similar loss, Alan was thoughtful.
“You’ll know when you’re ready,” he said. “It could be an anniversary, a birthday, the day you met. But when you start thinking about giving back, that’s usually the sign.”
“And when that moment comes,” he added, “take the first step. Send the email. Make the call. That’s the hardest part. But once you do—it helps.”
Holding On and Moving Forward
For Alan, the gift wasn’t just what he brought—it was what he left with: peace, purpose and a renewed connection to the love he shared with Lola.
As families at Marisol Homes hold their new Warmies close, they’re wrapped in more than soft fabric—they’re wrapped in the memory of a woman who gave her heart to others, and in the strength of a man who carries that love forward.
*The names in this story have been changed to respect the donors’ privacy.