Delivering Smiles Fresh out of the Box
Words and photos from Jared Box recipients show what the gift of play means for these children.
“I had never heard of The Jared Box until last week. My son had to have surgery in Pittsburgh. We had to be there at 5am and you know they wait for 2 hours until they actually go back. So the sweet nurse gave him one of these boxes and it was the perfect distraction! He just enjoyed going through the box playing with the toys. So thank you for this project! It was much appreciated by both son and mom!” ‑ Grateful Mom
“Thank you so much for the Jared Box of goodies we received at Beebe Outpatient Surgical Center in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. My daughter was so nervous going into surgery but when she opened the box, all her fears went away and she was more focused on all the goodies that she received. It is a great project and I will definitely be donating to this organization. Alyssa is now lying in bed at home resting with her box beside her.
“Thank you again.”
-Tammy
“I just wanna thank everyone who has taken the time to put the Jared Boxes together. My son, Jensen, who is 5, received a box today right before undergoing adenoidectomy surgery. We’re very happy and thankful! Thank you!” – Brittany
“Thank you so much for all you do! This box of treats definitely made my daughter smile and made her trip to the emergency room so much better!” – Amy
“At Davis Medical Center we distribute the Jared Boxes to our Pediatric Patients in our Day Surgery Unit. When they arrive for surgery the box is waiting for them on their bed. The children get so excited about the surprises and it makes the wait before surgery so much easier. We also give out the Jared Boxes in our Emergency Department. Our staff report that these gifts help the children during a very stressful time.” – Valerie Bright, Coordinator of Volunteer Services
“My name is Silas and this little gift made a cruddy day not so cruddy!
“My family and I thank you so very much!
“God Bless”
“Ear tubes were a success, and being gifted with a Jared Box made the visit extra special (and emotional). Jared was my backyard flashlight tag buddy 21 years ago and The Jared Box Project has always been in my heart.
“It took on a whole new meaning today.”
– Alaina C
“How can I ever thank you for your generosity, your love for children, and your big, big hearts! The Jared Boxes are phenomenal! I was so overwhelmed by the beautiful assortment of items! Our patients (and their families) are so grateful and the faces of the little ones turn from frowns to smiles! I just gave a box out today. Thank you again!”
Patricia McElroy, Coordinator
UPMC Pittsburgh Children’s North
Sewickley, PA
“Anytime you can do something to help a child, especially a child battling cancer, it’s a no brainer. The Pirates and Pirates Charities were honored to partner with Cindy to build more than 300 Jared Boxes during the 2022 season. Our front office staff, players and coaches all got behind this great initiative and enjoyed putting their own special touch on each box they made – from stickers, to personal notes, to the toys they selected for each child, each box was as unique as the child it will go to. We hope these boxes bring many smiles to kids and families who really need them. This relationship with Jared Box is one we hope to continue for many years!”
Jacque S | Pittsburgh Pirates
Executive Director, Pirates Charities & Community Engagement
Even more smiles…
“Improving the quality of life in our communities is part of RETTEW’s purpose and providing the gift of play to children in need is so fulfilling for our team. As a parent whose child has received a Jared Box during a hospital stay, I’ve seen firsthand how these gifts bring incredible value and happiness to a child’s day.”
– Clayton Bubeck, President and CEO of RETTEW
“Jackson had to get tubes put in his ears. He’s only 3 so they put kids under general anesthesia so that they don’t move during surgery so their eardrums don’t get punctured. This box was a life saver. I was scared and he was worried. It sure did take his mind off of things. This box is such a thoughtful gift and it got my son’s mind off his upcoming surgery! He played with the toys right up until they wheeled him to surgery.
“This is a beautiful idea for children going through medical procedures that could potentially be traumatic. All Jackson remembers is getting his ‘video game’!
“I am so thankful that there are people out there who care still. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
– Jackson and his mom Jen
“Monday night, my 4 year old son was rushed to the ER for an unknown (at that time) cashew allergy. Having no experience with allergies myself, I learned quite quickly that anaphylaxis is an extremely serious thing that requires several different (and rushed) courses of action.
“My poor little guy was hysterical through an epi shot, getting an IV placed, wearing an oxygen mask, and having various beeping machines hooked up to him.
But when they brought in The Jared Box, he (and I) nearly forgot about all of the scary things that were happening.
“He called it a ‘prize box’ and reveled at all of the new treats that were in it, for him to keep. He squeezed the included teddy-bear the entire time and I know the sense of comfort it gave him. I am just floored at the graciousness of this project and the good-hearted children that got it started.
“Hopefully this is one of many, many thank you letters you get but here’s one more for your portfolio! To all of the people that are involved in making this happen-
“THANK YOU from a very grateful Mother!!
“God Bless!”
– Elizabeth D
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