For nearly two decades, one family’s love for children and deep understanding of hospital life has turned into a holiday tradition that continues to grow and give back.
Sim’s Christmas Drive began in 2007 as a small but heartfelt effort led by Cynthia Griffin, a grandmother who knew firsthand how difficult it can be for families to spend the holidays in the hospital. During long stays at Nationwide Children’s Hospital with her daughter Juneen and granddaughter Crista, Cynthia witnessed families traveling from near and far to care for their sick children.
Inspired to bring comfort and joy during an especially emotional time of year, she began donating Christmas gift bags to children and families spending the holidays in the hospital and at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Each year, Cynthia made sure families received a little piece of Christmas, even when home felt far away.
After Cynthia passed away in 2018, her family was determined to keep her legacy alive. What started as a family tradition soon grew into a community-wide effort. Friends, coworkers, and eventually customers from the family’s business, Southern Ting, joined in. As the drive expanded through farmers markets and the Columbus community, more people shared similar stories of time spent at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, reinforcing just how meaningful this tradition had become.
Today, Sim’s Christmas Drive donates 30 Christmas gift bags each year to families spending the holiday season at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and RMHC of Central Ohio. Each bag is thoughtfully filled with items like Christmas trees, stockings, ornaments, mugs, and other festive touches designed to bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of normalcy during an otherwise difficult time.
The drive holds even deeper meaning for the family following the passing of Cynthia’s granddaughter, Crista, in March of 2024 at the age of 23. Crista lived with severe cerebral palsy and other complex medical conditions, requiring frequent hospital stays and multiple major surgeries throughout her life.
During those long days and nights, Cynthia was a constant presence—visiting after work, supporting Crista and her mom Juneen, and helping ensure their family had what they needed to get through each day. Those experiences shaped the heart behind Sim’s Christmas Drive.
The family understands how emotionally challenging it is to have a child or loved one in the hospital, especially during the holidays. Their hope is simple but powerful: that each gift bag brings joy, comfort, and a reminder that families are not alone.
As Sim’s Christmas Drive continues to grow, the spirit behind it remains the same. It is a tribute to a grandmother’s compassion, a family’s resilience, and a community coming together to bring light to families when they need it most.
Through every gift bag shared, Cynthia and Crista’s legacy lives on, bringing connection and hope to families at RMHC of Central Ohio.