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Wear Forget Me Not bloom today close to your heart. It is a sign of remembrance and respect. Twenty six years ago Lithuania abandoned the Soviet legacy and embarked on a path leading to democracy and membership in the EU and NATO. Lithuanians remember January 13, 1991, as the day on which fourteen people lost their lives for their country's independence.

Fourteenth International Christmas Charity Bazaar, organized by the International Women's Association of Vilnius, raised 105,803 euros. 68,651 euros were raised during the December 3rd Bazaar in Vilnius, where visitors could discover original gifts and souvenirs from more than 30 countries and international schools and 37,152 euros were collected from cash sponsors such as Kazickas Family Foundation.

Kazickas Family Foundation supports first homeless day center in Kaunas opened by Caritas Lithuania and Archdiocese of Kaunas in 2014. Cozy atmosphere with hot tea invites people experiencing social isolation to spend few hours every day at the center and enjoy the warmth. Day center visitors have an opportunity to interact, read books or browse through daily newspapers, play board games or solve crossword puzzles.

"As we leave 2016 behind us and face the uncertainty that 2017 brings we are thankful that KFF continues to strengthen, and is well positioned to pursue, and expand it's mission of supporting worthy causes in Lithuania, as well as the United States and elsewhere around the world.

Mercy Center is a community center located in the poorest Congressional District in the US. It offers many programs and services to underprivileged families and help them to take charge of their future and pursue their goals for an improved quality of life. In 2016 Mercy Center served nearly 2,200 participants, ranging in age from one to a youthful 95.

Children of Alexandra Kazickas Lithuanian school presented "the Mitten" to the parents and friends of school during the Christmas celebration. Special guests included Santa, Lucy and Joe Kazickas, Marianne Klepacki, Rasa Mitruleviciene and Rimas Vaicaitis. Thanks to school's wonderful teachers, children enjoyed playing the roles of elves, snowflakes and many forest animals that found a cozy shelter in the mitten, singing Christmas songs and playing games with Santa.

As the holiday season is fast approaching, let's pause and remember what season of giving means to us. While remembering Mamyte Alexandra Kazickas (1920-2011) and her eternal care for Lithuania's children, we are glad to share that during the December 13th meeting Kazickas Family Foundation decided to grant $94,364 to support 21 Lithuanian Heritage Schools in the US that submitted the applications.

KFF grantee "Sodziaus Meistrai" is a Trade school in Trakai region, Lithuania. This is their story of the begining of the school year as the students enter newly renovated dormitory and recreational space in the old soviet kolchoz hangar. This is a non-disctirminatory, equal opportunity school where teachers, counselors and school administration find a way to every student's heart.

In 2016, the Kazickas Family Foundation's grant was used to help fund Neringa Camp (Brattleboro, VT) scholarship program. In 2016, Neringa provided a total of $17,625 in scholarships

Updated 1/19/2017

The Baltic Studies Program at Yale University is pleased to announce the selection of two outstanding Lithuanian scholars Jolanta Mickute and Vaidotas Vaicaitis to hold Joseph P. Kazickas Fellowships at Yale University during the Spring 2017 semester.