Mount Nittany Health Supports The Jared Box Project

State College, Pennsylvania, Aug 8, 2024

For over 22 years, The Jared Box Project has delivered smiles, laughter, and hope to children in hospitals across the country. Over 500 hospitals across the country are recipients of Jared Boxes. Locally, Mount Nittany Health has been giving out Jared Boxes for over 20 years.

To show their support, Mount Nittany Health donated $2,500 to The Jared Box Project. In addition, members of the Imaging Department at Mount Nittany Medical Center made 75 Jared Boxes. At Mount Nittany Health, Jared Boxes are given to children in the emergency department, patients rooms, and at the outpatient surgical center.

“It can be scary for kids when they are in the Emergency Department,” said Kerri Kubalak, Community Engagement Manager, Mount Nittany Health. “Jared Boxes offer a crucial distraction during these stressful times. We are fortunate to receive ongoing support from our local community, who generously donate Jared Boxes to our facility.”

“We are honored and delighted to receive this generous donation from Mount Nittany Health. This donation allows us to continue to deliver Jared Boxes to our community’s young patients.  Over 2,000 Jared Boxes are given out locally each year. These little Jared Boxes calm nerves and  lift spirits during hospital visits,” said Cindy Kolarik, Executive Director, The Jared Box Project.

The Jared Box Project is a nonprofit organization that aims to bring joy and smiles to children in hospitals across the country. Jared Boxes are plastic shoe boxes filled with small gifts, toys, cards, games, and other fun activities. These boxes are made by local community groups and given to children in emergency rooms, hospital rooms, surgical centers, and clinics.

The project was started in 2001 by the children of Our Lady of Victory School in State College, Pennsylvania, to honor their classmate, Jared, who battled cancer with courage and faith.

Jared was diagnosed with an incurable brainstem tumor in 1999. He carried a backpack full of toys and games to all appointments and questioned why the other children didn’t bring toys to their exam rooms. Jared shared his toys and invited the other children to join him in a game of UNO. At just 5 years old, he demonstrated faith, wisdom, and compassion for others.

After Jared passed away, his classmates decided to honor him by creating Jared Boxes. The school children made 81 Jared Boxes for the children at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania. Soon after that, other community groups started making Jared Boxes. They picked up where Jared left off and shared toys with children in the hospital. This wave of kindness quickly took off and spread across the country.

The Jared Box Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To learn more, visit www.thejaredbox.org.

Photo Attached:

Presentation of Jared Boxes and $2500 Sponsorship Donation:

Pictured left to right:  Kerri Kubalak, Manager of Community Engagement, Mount Nittany Health; Monique Behrer, Volunteer Supervisor, Mount Nittany Health, Cindy Kolarik, Executive Director, The Jared Box Project