Join Us In Spreading Holiday Joy to Kids Fighting Cancer!
The holidays are right around the corner, and it couldn’t be a more perfect time to help us spread JOY to kids fighting cancer around the world. Every year, our team at the Jessie Rees Foundation makes a goal to reach as many children fighting cancer during the holidays as we can. As you know, there are an estimated 50 children who will be told they have cancer each day. And many of these children will spend the holidays in the hospital. During the holidays, children fighting cancer need even more love, joy and encouragement. While many of us will be celebrating the joys of the holiday season, for children fighting cancer and their families, the holiday experience can be much different.
When Jessie Rees founded JoyJars during her own fight with cancer, she wanted to give other kids a chance to embrace the joys in life, despite the struggles they were facing with cancer. She knew that cancer could make a child feel lonely and limited. Her goal–to make them smile. The Jessie Rees Foundation strives to continue Jessie’s mission of helping kids smile by spreading love, hope and joy to children fighting cancer. And since we know that the holidays are magical and special to kids, we want to give these courageous fighters something to smile about during this memorable time.
Here Are Some Great Ways to Help Us Spread Joy!
Donate to JoyJars
This holiday we will be sending over 10,000 JoyJars to kids fighting cancer at home and in hospitals around the country. It costs us $20 to stuff and ship a JoyJar full of fun, hospital approved, age-appropriate toys. We are so thankful for supporters like you who help us continue to send JoyJars during the holidays and year round. You can help us continue to send Joy by making a donation at our Donation Station.
Join the Joy Squad
So many of our fans and supporters are addicted to spreading Joy with us and want to do more. Joining the JoySquad is a great, affordable way to help us reach more kids fighting cancer all year round. Commit to a $20 monthly donation and your JoySquad membership will ensures that every month a child fighting cancer receives a JoyJar. In addition, new JoySquad members receive 6 of their own mini JoyJars which can be sent to family or friends as special or “just because” gifts. For more information on joining the JoySquad, visit our JoySquad Donation Page.
Join Us at Santa Stroll!
Will you be in Orange County for the holidays? Why not join us at our upcoming Santa Stroll! Our 1st Annual Santa Stroll will be held Sunday, December 15th, 2013 from 6-8pm at Santa Margarita High School Track. This family festive FUN-RAISER walk (aka: stroll) is all about raising resources and awareness for childhood cancer. Grab your kids, tell your neighbors and friends to join you for a great time and great cause. Visit Santa Stroll for more information.
Host a Workplace or Group Holiday JoyDrive
We stuff and ship hundreds of JoyJars each week, so we are always in need of more toys! If your workplace, team or club is interested in helping us collect toys, hosting a holiday JoyDrive is a great way to get started! More information on hosting a JoyDrive can be found here or by contacting our JoyDrive coordinator, Jana Perry at jana@jessie.org
Get Your NEGU Gear For Holiday Gifts
We have so many great items available in our NEGU store that can be used for gifts and/or stocking stuffers! Our NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) sweatshirts, t-shirts, PJ pants and more are the perfect way to show your loved ones and friends that they are loved and supported. If you know someone who could use a little holiday support and love, check out our NEGU store!