Operation Christmas in the NICU: Bringing Holiday Joy to NICU Families at Northside

Atlanta, GA– For the fourth consecutive year, two dedicated NICU moms from Northside Atlanta, led by Chelsea Bassett, have launched their heartfelt initiative, *Operation Christmas in the NICU.* This labor of love, which started as a way to lift the spirits of NICU families at Northside Atlanta, is now expanding to include Northside Cherokee, where Chelsea currently works. The project aims to deliver Christmas gift bags filled with love, support, and a bit of holiday cheer to every family spending the season in the NICU.

For Chelsea, *Operation Christmas in the NICU* holds deep personal meaning. Her journey began when her daughter was born on Christmas Day 2020, arriving at just 26 weeks and weighing a mere 14 ounces. With a less than 13% chance of survival, the family spent 121 days in the NICU, navigating uncertainty during the height of COVID-19 restrictions. With no visitors allowed, the hospital staff became their extended family. During this time, Chelsea met another NICU mom with whom she shared this journey, and together they formed a bond that would lead to *Operation Christmas in the NICU.*

"Being in the NICU can feel isolating, especially around the holidays," Chelsea shares. "We wanted to help other families feel a bit of holiday warmth and remind them they’re not alone."

The gift bags are put together solely through donations and volunteer support. Chelsea and her friend are now reaching out to the community to help fund and assemble the bags. They’re hopeful that through the generosity of others, they can make this year’s expansion a success and continue spreading hope to more families.

For those interested in supporting or donating to Operation Christmas in the NICU, you can give here.