Nick Wallace, liver transplant recipient lacrosse player & soccer sis Lexie, launched NP to deliver NP-filled backpacks to hospitalized, isolated kids. 501c3 Nick's Picks is a 501c3 that provides fun-filled backpacks loaded with activites and comfort items to hospitalized, isolated children. Nick's Picks mission is to bring comfort and support to children dealing with serious illness during a hard time. Nick's Picks was founded in 2012 by myself, Nick Wallace, following a live-saving liver transplant. After years of chronic liver disease (biliary atresia) I had become an expert in the art of keeping myself entertained during hospitalizations. When given a second chance, in the form of a new liver, was given to me I knew I had to make the most of it. As Ghandi said, what better way then in the service of others. I started Nick's Picks in 2012 and we have expanded from serving hospitals and pediatric centers in southern california to providing Nick's Picks backpacks to 15 centers nationwide (as of January 2017). Each Item in the backpack has a significant purpose. You can read more about the Anatomy of a Backpack on our website, www.nickspicks.orgOur mission statement reads:Nick's Picks is a 501c3 charity established by liver transplant recipient Nick Wallace in 2012 that exists to support hospitalized children with serious, chronic illnesses. The charity's focus is to provide backpacks loaded with games, toys and comfort items to children — hospitalized and often living in isolation — in an effort to raise their spirits and keep them engaged through play. Through our efforts we also hope to offer a sense of comfort and support to these children and their families. At Nick's Picks we value our sponsors and our donors — their time and generosity of spirit in supporting our mission — and the relationships we have built with these incredible companies and individuals. The contributions from our sponsors and our donors enable Nick's Picks to distribute backpacks through hospitals, medical centers and Ronald McDonald Houses throughout the country and provide help and hope to the youths and their families. Through their continued loyalty and support we will expand our giving and encourage others to be more socially aware. Our greatest hope is to create an epidemic of giving, inspiring others to make a difference in the world around them, through caring, and assistance to young community members in need.