So what’s in a box?
Our goal has been to make the lives of young children who are fighting cancer a little bit better by bringing a smile to their faces and maybe making the time during treatments easier. We also try to include items the parents may be able to use. The only thing we ask in return is for them to share their story. We need to raise awareness not just about the illness itself but how this illness affects everyone around it. We do this through sharing stories and discussions. We haven’t found many places that do other than behind closed doors, especially the more difficult topics. It’s very hard on everyone involved physically and emotionally, and we hope that eventually by bringing more awareness more resources will be available to these families. Also, hearing similar stories can abate a lot of the negative emotions and perhaps provide solutions to issues that may arise.
Each month’s spotlight receives a questionnaire covering the child’s likes and treatment plan. Every child is different and the majority of a treatment plan as well as the child’s reaction to it are unique to that child. After we receive the answers is when we go shopping. Items can range from simple things such as Play-Doh or a craft book from one of the local box stores to unique and personal adaptive clothing. Overall, we aim for a budget of around $300-$350 and to fill a 24x16x10 shipping box. There are a few considerations that we must take into account with every purchase. In particular, we have to make sure that whatever items we send are either disposable or easily cleaned. Everything must be new. It is important during treatment to lessen exposure to pathogens that can cause serious illness to a child with little or no immune system. We also purchase items that will last. We know that these items will be used quite a bit and must last being dragged along on many trips to the clinic or hospital. We also try very hard to tailor each package toward that unique child. We could very easily purchase large amounts from various stores and just send what we have, but we also know that then not everything will get used. This is why we often do not accept direct donations of items.
There are many places from which we order items. If we receive specific requests, we try to honor them such as a specific animal or adaptive clothing need. Some of the companies we have used are Bellzi, Slumberkins, Little Sleepies, Mia Belle, Angel Dear, Carter’s, Melissa and Doug, and Cuddle and Kind. We have also frequented Target, Hobby Lobby, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and a few local coffee shops searching for items. We are also constantly looking for more places to purchase items such as adaptive clothing. There are a few things that we will not send. One of them being generic gift cards. We have sent specific cards such as a Starbucks card, but generic ones such as a Visa or department stores, we will not send. The gift card must have a specific purpose. We will not send perishable items or food/candy for the child. These can bring up all sorts of issues. Also, if an item is readily available to a parent/child from another non-profit, we will refer them instead of counting that in the included package. Every package also includes a handwritten note addressed to the child explaining everything we have sent and why. This is to emphasize that this is for them and give them some encouragement.
The majority of the monetary donations we receive go toward these packages. Our maintenance and fundraising endeavors are the only other expense that we currently have. Everyone who participates in this non-profit does so as a volunteer and doesn’t receive any compensation. We even buy our own shirts.
The last thing we want to emphasize is that this is not a wish. There are numerous organizations out there that grant wishes. We do not want anyone to think that receiving this will count against receiving their wish. We simply want to help ease some of the pain and burden that this illness causes as well as increase awareness about it.