Caitlyn Logan was only 12 years old when she was diagnosed with diabetes. She had just started 7th grade at Connersville Middle School. However, even at 12, the diagnosis never slowed Caitlyn down or kept her from pursuing her dreams. Caitlyn was in her first year at Indiana University for nursing when at just 21, Caitlyn passed away unexpectedly from complications of her diabetes. Caitlyn's mother, Marci, explained it is important to her to give back to the community that supported her family through such a difficult time and honor Caitlyn's memory.

“The community has supported us so much the past three years that we just give back in any way we can to the community because they gave to us," Marci said. "So anything we can do to give back and also keep her memory alive that touches many more people who are going to think of her.”
Event coordinator Amber Conley met Marci at another benefit the Logan family supported and became quick friends. Amber shared that one morning, she saw a Facebook post of Marci's sharing how much she missed shopping with Caitlyn for gifts to give others. Amber immediately pictured Caitlyn passing out gifts to kids and reached out to Marci with an idea to honor Caitlyn.

“I contacted her mother, Marci Logan, and asked if we could partner up with her and start something in her honor," Amber explained. "It's been over two years since Caitlyn passed, and her mom said she felt like she was ready to do something for her girl, and it just snowballed from there.”

When Amber shared her plan with the communities, the response was one of commitment and support to keep Caitlyn's memory alive. With the help of sponsors, donors, and assistance in transporting and wrapping presents, hundreds of gifts will be available at Caitlyn's Christmas crusade. Co-owner of Comb's Custom Flooring and Ready to Roll Dumpsters explained why they were  so willing to assist.

"I didn't know Caitlyn personally, but Caitlyn's Crusade is obviously for someone who had a special meaning in a lot of people's lives, and to kind of carry their life out as if they were still here even though they are gone so that right there is explanation enough to do what we are doing.
Caitlyn's mother explained how giving Caitlyn was, willing to do anything for anyone, and especially enjoyed children.

“She had the biggest heart. She would do anything for you, and I think doing what we are doing for her, I have to do it. It's my healing. But I do think she would love it.”

As the event draws closer, Marci shared has been reassured Caitlyn would love the event with signs for her family. 

“I get signs from here all the time," Marci. "Like with this coming up now, my husband and I went and bought tires for my jeep last night, two and a half hours away. We get up there, and he is rolling them out, and he finds a dime under one of them. She leaves us dimes all the time.”

Caitlyn's Christmas Crusade began last night, Dec. 21, with presents being handed out to children from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Twice as Nice Liberty location. Later today, wrapped gifts will be handed out again at the Twice as Nice in Liberty and the Connersville Expo Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. In addition, the shelter is hosting an evening of Christmas festivities at the Connersville Expo tonight.

"So I want everyone to please come out and join us," Conley said. "This is not specific to anybody. We just simply want to give a gift to every kid that we can. We have more than enough, more than we will ever need."

In loving memory of Caitlyn Logan, who will never be forgotten.