The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation started out with a Mom trying to bribe her 7-year old son to get to his cancer treatments. She realized if she brought a small toy as a reward, at least he had something to look forward to at the end of the day. Colleen Kisel wanted to help other families going through the same hardship by starting the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. Starting with a just one chest at Chicago’s Hope Children’s Hospital, the foundation now provides toys and giftcards to children and teens in hospitals nationwide.
If you were moved by the segment on Living Healthy Chicago, it’s very easy to help. You can donate toys themselves or, make a monetary donation. Colleen tells us there are unique ways to donate. For example, in lieu of a birthday gift, you can ask your friends and family to bring a toy or gift card for the children the POTCF serves. You can also make a collection box and ask your coworkers to donate or host a block party and ask the attendees to bring a toy. The POTCF will pick-up any toy donations, or they can be delivered to the warehouse. 100% of every toy donatoin ends up in the hands of a little one fighting cancer. Donors can visit the webpage to make a monetary donation. Monetary donatoins are the key to shipping the toys across the nation.
To donate, or for more information on the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, visit Treasurechest.org.
