A Holiday Partnership Bringing Care to Life

What began as a thoughtful gesture has grown into a tradition rooted in connection, care, and community.

For many years, Elmbrook Rotary Club has been supporting Wellpoint Care Network during the holidays by purchasing gifts for children in our Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program. TFC provides specialized care for kids who have experienced significant trauma and need additional support.

According to Doug Jacobson, Rotarian and co-founder of HJS, a global logistics solutions company based in Waukesha, that quickly sparked an even bigger idea.

“At one point, my wife Janie and I said, ‘Why don’t we take 10 names?’ That’s when our son Kevin said, ‘You know, this might be a fun thing for the company to do too.’ So the following year, we said, ‘Give us 50 names!’ And since then, it’s really been a company-wide initiative.”

For Kevin Jacobson, who became President & CEO of HJS in September of 2025, the joy comes from the hands-on nature of the experience.

“As a team, we all go shopping together, then come back and wrap all the gifts,” he said. “It’s really fun. And it’s nice to have each child’s name, age, and ‘wish list’ because it makes it more personal.”

That meaningful interaction has become the heart of the tradition.

“It really binds our team together,” Kevin added. “It’s actually putting some thought and care into it. And it’s neat to think that kids actually get something they ask for.”

Through this effort, unexpected connections have also emerged.

“One of our employees, Dana, actually fostered and adopted her son through Wellpoint Care Network,” said Kevin. “I didn’t know that personal story until we started doing this. Suddenly you realize there’s a deeper meaning and a real need.”

That personal connection also moved HJS to make a gift in honor of Dana and her family, a gesture that reflects both gratitude and a desire to support other children in care.

As a small business owner, Kevin values the flexibility to give in ways that feel genuine.

“We don’t have to do everything the way big companies do,” he said. “They may have deep pockets, but we’re pretty flexible. Being able to pick names, pile in the car, and go shopping together — it just makes for a fun afternoon and for such a great cause.”

After the shopping trip, Doug and Janie host a party at their home to collect the gifts and celebrate the team’s collective effort.

“One of the reasons I suggested having a party before we deliver the gifts is because people walk in and see all the beautifully wrapped presents under the tree — and it becomes real,” said Janie. “It’s not just the one present you were in charge of. This is personal. This is real.”

That sense of real impact aligns closely with Elmbrook Rotary’s philosophy of service.

“It’s not just writing a check, we want boots on the ground,” said Jack Nelson, Rotarian and Wellpoint Care Network Board member. “I’d rather see four or five young people be successful because of what we did. This kind of activity, this kind of relationship, this kind of family building — that’s what makes an impact.”

“What Wellpoint Care Network is doing is providing a real benefit to a real person right now,” Doug added. “There are billions of people out there who need help. But helping one person at a time — that’s what it’s all about.”

For Wellpoint Care Network, HJS and Elmbrook Rotary, this is more than just a holiday tradition. It’s a reminder that when companies and community organizations come together with intention, generosity becomes personal and impact becomes real.

This year, Elmbrook Rotary and HJS took their collective generosity to the next level and provided nearly 200 gifts! Half went to children in Treatment Foster Care and half supported our Diapers for Dads program, which gives local fathers diapers, wipes, and — this year for the first time — holiday gifts for their kids.

Be like the Jacobsons, HJS and Elmbrook Rotary! Join Wellpoint Care Network today by donating, volunteering, getting your company involved, sponsoring an event, fostering or sharing your experience.

Together, we can create a world where all children and families can truly thrive.