A Lifetime of Compassion and Generosity for Children in Need!
Social work is often more complex and challenging than it appears, requiring courage, an open heart, and above all, generosity. Not everyone possesses the qualities needed for such selfless service, but Raymond (Ray) Mohler Jr. is not one of those people.
Ray’s journey of compassion and service began at the tender age of six when he founded the Little Saint Nick Foundation. This remarkable determination at such a young age was both astonishing and heartwarming for those around him. For over 17 years, he has been inspiring and assisting children across America, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives.
Ray’s dedication to his mission has not gone unnoticed; he has been featured on Nickelodeon’s “The HALO Effect” and Subaru’s Share the Love Event. Over the years, he has built a dedicated team that shares his vision of bringing joy and hope to children in need.
Ray Mohler Jr.’s lifelong commitment to helping children and lifting their spirits is a shining example of the difference one person can make in the lives of many. His story serves as a reminder that acts of generosity, no matter how small, can have a profound and lasting impact on the world.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Motivation for Giving Back
When Ray was just four years old, he faced a challenging and bewildering experience. He was rushed to the hospital due to severe hip pain and spent an agonizing eight hours there without fully understanding what was happening. It was during this trying time that he received a diagnosis of a rare childhood hip disorder. Fortunately, he was able to recover from it.
Ray’s experience in the hospital left a lasting impact on him, and he was deeply moved by the plight of other children facing similar ordeals. He realized that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of these young patients, particularly by alleviating their anxiety and fear during their hospital stays.
Born on Christmas Eve, Ray made a heartfelt decision—to donate his birthday and Christmas gifts back to the very hospital where he had undergone treatment. This early act of generosity marked the beginning of Ray’s journey of giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Adapting and Thriving
When the global pandemic struck last year, the charity organization faced a significant setback as many of its fundraising events were canceled. It was a challenging period, but they recognized that such circumstances might arise again in the future. In response, they embarked on a series of initiatives to navigate these uncertain times.
One key innovation was the implementation of new fundraising technology, such as a text-to-bid silent auction, to engage with donors and secure vital funding. Additionally, they decided to launch a novel program in collaboration with local schools. This initiative involved organizing supply drives for their emergency department gift bag program. Remarkably, seven different schools on Long Island participated in these drives, resulting in an abundant supply of essential items. This ingenious approach not only saved the organization thousands of dollars but also strengthened its ties with the local community.
The heartwarming gift bags, packed with a stuffed animal, a coloring book, crayons, and handmade get-well cards crafted by children, are designed to provide comfort and solace to young patients. Presently, they assemble approximately 600 gift bags each month, delivering them to two distinct hospitals on Long Island and another 300 every month in Tampa, Florida. Every bag is meticulously packed by dedicated volunteers, ensuring that no child in the hospitals they collaborate with goes unnoticed. Through innovation and community support, this charity organization not only weathered the storm but also continued to bring hope and joy to countless children facing health challenges.
Inspiring Kids to Make a Difference
The Little Saint Nick Foundation (LSNF) is a registered 501C3 non-profit organization with a mission to empower “Kids Inspiring and Helping Kids.” For LSNF, the focus extends beyond merely helping children; it also aims to inspire young individuals to volunteer and contribute to the welfare of their peers in need.
LSNF has been instrumental in addressing various anxiety-related challenges faced by children and families dealing with illness. Their initiatives encompass an emergency department gift bag program, a family care package program, hospital toy giveaways, and fulfilling wishes, all designed to enhance the lives of sick children and their families. These programs are not only led by children themselves but also instill in them the significance and responsibility of serving others.
The Emergency Department Gift Bag Program, in particular, seeks to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with hospital visits while creating a more calming hospital environment. Every day of the year, a hospital staff member or LSNF volunteer distributes these thoughtful bags to families in the emergency department or short-term units.
In 2019, LSNF introduced the Nicholas DiNoto Family Care Package Program, initiated by board member Rob DiNoto in memory of his son, Nicholas DiNoto, who tragically passed away as a child. This program’s primary objective is to aid families with essential necessities during difficult times. The care packages include items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, phone chargers, notepads, pens, mints, ID badge lanyards, and a get-well card and activity pack for the child in need.
Ray and his dedicated team place a strong emphasis on integrity within their organization. They ensure that even with a small number of volunteers, they provide assistance to anyone, regardless of their affiliation with the organization. Prior to taking any action, they diligently seek advice from knowledgeable individuals and ask pertinent questions to make informed decisions in all their endeavors. Through their unwavering commitment and compassionate initiatives, LSNF continues to inspire and uplift the lives of countless children and families.
Committed to Inspiring Change
Ray, serving as the Chairman and CEO of the organization, plays a pivotal role in overseeing all its operations. His unwavering motivation stems from the organization’s mission to provide the best services and support to those in need.
Ray is not only impressed but also deeply grateful for the accomplishments achieved by the organization. He carries an immense sense of enthusiasm for the limitless potential that lies ahead. To Ray, it’s crucial to ensure that every board member, volunteer, and partner feels like an integral part of the movement, regardless of their specific role. He emphasizes the profound impact of their collective efforts, whether direct or indirect, in inspiring and assisting others throughout the year.
Ray’s philosophy revolves around the concept of work-life integration, recognizing that balance is the key to finding happiness in both the professional and personal realms. He dedicates time to prioritizing his well-being, kickstarting his day with a morning workout for a positive head start. Outside of work, Ray finds relaxation and joy in cooking and cherishing quality moments with his family and friends.
As a visionary leader, Ray’s commitment to inspiring positive change is not limited to his professional role but permeates every aspect of his life, driving him to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Ambitious Nationwide Expansion Plans
Ray emphasizes, “Our aspiration is to operate in all 50 states within the next five to ten years. Each day, we continue to learn and adapt our expansion strategies as we progress. To achieve this vision and extend our assistance to children every day of the year, we are actively seeking additional funding.”
Throughout the years, the foundation has successfully inspired and aided over two million children and families in need. Ray’s enthusiasm to make a positive impact remains unwavering, and he looks forward to continuing this mission throughout his lifetime. To discover more about LSNF and contribute to their cause, please visit littlestnick.org.
