From childhood, Tere Geckle’s life has been shaped by the power of kindness. Inspired by her father’s philanthropic spirit, Tere embraced giving back.
Through community service, Tere and Meghan Butterworth’s paths crossed. When Meghan, Regional Development Director, launched the Comforts of Home Program featuring Welcome to Wellness Bags - a duffel bag filled with soft sheets, a fuzzy blanket, a comforter, a bedside rug, and fluffy towels - Tere saw an opportunity to make a difference.
Tere made a gift of stock that launched the Welcome to Wellness Bags at Nexus-Woodbourne. However, her kindness didn’t stop there. Through coordinated giving campaigns with friends and family, Tere collected winter coats and other needs for Nexus-Woodbourne youth. These acts of kindness showed the youth they were cared for by others and that they matter.
For her 70th birthday, Tere and her family assembled 70 goodie bags for the youth passing on the legacy of giving to her “grandcuties.” Her influence has been so profound that one grandchild now plans a volunteer activity for his own birthday.
Tere’s kindness has rippled outward, inspiring the expansion of the Comforts of Home Program to several Nexus agencies’ youth residential treatment programs. Her story exemplifies how one person’s compassion can transform lives, reminding us of the magic that unfolds when kindness becomes a way of life.
“Every child deserves a good night’s sleep with soft sheets and a fuzzy blanket. How are they going to heal if they don’t get that?” said Tere.