United Way of Central Georgia, alongside Mike and Nancy Kaplan, parents of the late Merrie Kaplan, unveiled ‘The MERRIE Christmas Project’ in Merrie’s love for Christmas. The 45-year old Macon woman, Merrie Kaplan, was born with a rare genetic condition, Williams syndrome. Fitting to her name, she was known throughout central Georgia as a friendly, outgoing woman, who brought joy wherever she went. Now, her memory will bring joy across United Way of Central Georgia’s 14-county service area through ‘The MERRIE Christmas Project,’ a fundraising effort aimed at providing gifts, holiday décor, and food to families in need during the Christmas season.
“She was so compassionate, and people could feel it. It really turned my life into the right kind of life. God doesn’t do things on accident. He definitely sent me her because there were a lot of things I needed to learn. I learned them. I just wish he left her here,” said Nancy Kaplan, Merrie’s mom and organizer of the MERRIE Christmas Project. “We want to make it [The MERRIE Christmas Project] very personal and very special. I can’t wait. People will get to experience Christmas. It could change their lives. She could change the world. She certainly changed ours,” said Nancy Kaplan.
“She made this world a better place and we want to continue that in a way that’s meaningful to the joy of Merrie because that’s what Merrie was. Merrie was joy,” said Mike Kaplan, Merrie’s father and organizer of the MERRIE Christmas Project.
“Many of my fondest childhood memories revolve around Christmas, and how magical that time of year was at our house,” said George McCanless, President & CEO of United Way. “I’ve always wanted to find a way to help those less fortunate experience those same feelings, and so it was serendipitous when Nancy and Mike asked us to work with them on this project to celebrate the special person that Merrie was. We are honored to work with them to help as many local families as possible truly have a Merrie Christmas.”
United Way of Central Georgia is accepting donations for ‘The MERRIE Christmas Project’ here. United Way of Central Georgia will then identify families who will benefit from this new effort over the next few months.