Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly recently honored Huntington Station resident Brittany Schiavone, the founder of Brittany’s Baskets of Hope, with a County Proclamation for her work with the non-profit organization she founded that brings information, support, guidance and hope to families with babies with Down Syndrome.
Ms. Schiavone, who was named the L’Oréal Paris 2019 National Woman of Worth, was recognized at the February 11 General Meeting of the Legislature in Hauppauge joined by her father, Rocco Schiavone who serves as President of the Board of the Directors, and members of her staff. She is a graduate of Walt Whitman High School.
Brittany’s Baskets of Hope fills baskets with baby essentials, handmade hats, blankets, a book titled “Babies with Down syndrome: A New Parents’ Guide” and a decorated onesie with celebratory phrases for families who have recently welcomed a baby with Down Syndrome. She and her staff hand-deliver them to local families in the tri-state area and ship them for out-of-state requests. More than 900 baskets have been prepared, bringing good wishes and cheer to families across the United States, and, with a recent request from Alaska, her baskets have now delighted families in all 50 states.
In recognition of her innovative initiative and dedication, Ms. Schiavone was named a 2019 Women of Worth by L’Oréal Paris in its National campaign and recognized as one of its Top Ten Honorees from across the United States for her “outstanding work for exceptional causes.” She received thousands of public votes via the L’Oréal Paris website and was ultimately named the 2019 Women of Worth National Honoree.
“Brittany Schiavone is a true inspiration. Her baskets have brought added joy to thousands of parents, siblings, and other family members near and far who have welcomed a baby born with Down Syndrome into their lives,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Her dedication to helping others is unmatched and it was a privilege to honor her before the entire Legislature.”
For more information on Brittany’s Baskets of Hope, go to www.brittanysbasketsofhope.org