We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the Jessie Rees Foundation. Please see our frequently asked questions below to get started. If you still need more information, please feel free to reach out to our office for more help. [fontawesome icon=”fa-phone”] (888) 648-6348
FAQ's
I know a child fighting cancer. How can I get them one of Jessie’s JoyJars?
You can nominate any child for one of Jessie’s JoyJars by nominating them for a Year of Joy.
I work for a Children’s Hospital. How can we get JoyJars?
JoyJars are 100% free to all children’s hospitals or care center that commit to delivering JoyJars to children fighting cancer. Order your JoyJars here — GET JOYJARS
Can I help deliver JoyJars?
Due to insurance standards and hospital regulations, JoyJars may only delivered by a select group of people.
How are you funded?
Our donations come from private donations, corporate partners, event participants, and grants. Donate today!
What role do Jessie’s parent’s play in the foundation?
Since March 2011, Jessie’s parents have donated their time, money and talents to advancing Jessie’s wish. In 2016, the Board of Directors made a strategic decision to leverage the Hope Fund to hire Erik as CEO and Stacey Rees COO. In January of 2017, Stacey was appointed as CFO by the Board of Directors, which leverages her 20+ years of vast accounting experiences. Erik is also a member of the Board of Directors. The Rees family has donated over $15,000 annually to support their daughters mission.
Do you accept used toys?
No. All toys have to be new.
How do you support children fighting cancer globally?
We are thankful that we have been able to send JoyJars to children fighting cancer in 30 countries. Unfortunately, customs regulations and high shipping costs prevent us from continuing to serve our international friends. However, we are always looking for international partnerships to help cover shipping costs. If you want to learn more please contact Erik Rees at erik@jessie.org.
How do you support organizations committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer?
Consistent with Jessie’s wish to “help ever kid fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up,” our mission is to use all of our resources to provide support and care and moments of joy to kids and their families who are facing this terrible disease. We long for a day when our services are no longer necessary and use our promotional channels to bring awareness to the need to fund research to find a cure.
Can an All-Star come visit my child?
At this time, All-Stars only visit children in the hospital during our annual tours.
How much of your resources go to programs?
The annual goal of the Board of Directors is to invest 80% of all donations to programs and the people who support them. The Jessie Rees Foundation has a Gold rating on Guidestar.
How many staff members do you have?
In 2016, the foundation employed ten employees in a “full-time” and or “part-time” position. This team worked with over 5,000 volunteers to spread hope, joy and love to children fighting cancer.
Where do you get your toys from?
Toys for JoyJars are purchased and or donated by wonderful people and compassionate corporations. Click here to learn how to host a JoyDrive to collect approved toys for JoyJars.
I would like to donate to JoyJars. Will my support go to children in my state?
We aim to provide joy to children facing cancer no matter where they are in the country and when they need it most. Accordingly, we do not currently earmark donations for any specific location. Fortunately, due to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to serve children in all 50 states and will continue to try to reach every child in the country who faces a cancer diagnosis. .
What is the Year of Joy?
Year of Joy is our core program to provide sustained encouragement and support to all members of a family impacted by childhood cancer. Learn more at Year of Joy.
Are JoyJars and NEGU registered trademarks?
Yes both JoyJars® and NEGU® are registered trademarks of the Jessie Rees Foundation.
How are national expansion efforts and executive leadership funded?
In 2014, the Board of Directors, developed a special fund called the Hope Fund to raise additional resources to expand operations nationally and secure executive leadership. The Hope Fund is supported by private donations and foundational grants that are dedicated to supporting JRF’s longer-term growth objectives and initiatives.
How are board members selected?
As Board seats become open, the Chairman works with other board members to identify and meet with potential new members.
Are board members required to give personally to the foundation?
Yes!