Description
In 2017, we were inundated with over 180 requests from the social workers at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and MD Anderson for families who had nowhere else to turn. Our Emergency Assistance Program consists of the requests received from the medical team and social workers. Each request we receive is different, and range from everything from parking chips and gas cards to providing once in a lifetime experiences when other, traditional wish granting organizations are unable to assist. On average, results in $750-1,000 in assistance (in the form of parking chips, gas cards, gift cards, and miscellaneous supplies). Additionally, our organization gave out over $25,000 in the form of gift cards (gas, grocery, and clothing stores). Any assistance with raising the funds or collecting gift cards to be donated to patients and families would be extremely helpful.
Population Served
People/Families of People with Cancer / Children and Youth (0 - 19 years) / Families
Program Long-Term Success
Our year round Emergency Assistance program launched in 2017 and was able to assist 180 families.
Program Short-Term Success
Our program was able to assist families who had nowhere else to turn to for school supplies for the patient and siblings. Our organization was also able to provide comprehensive assistance to over 20 families who were directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Program Success Monitored ByHelpOrganizations describe the tools used to measure or track program impact.
All families are initially vetted by social workers at the treatment center and referred through their medical team. Once an application is received, our Executive Director works closely with the social worker and family to ensure the requested needs can be met.
Description
Our two large scale programs are our Christmas in July and Holiday Angels Programs. We are looking for community partners and financial assistance to meet the needs of both of these programs.
Our First Christmas in July Program will aim at providing school supplies and back to school clothes for 20 patients and their siblings, as well as financial assistance to parents.
Our Holiday Angels program will be similar, but will focus on providing holiday wishes to 50 patients, siblings and families.
In 2017, our Holiday Angels program matched community partners with approximately 60 patients and families who completed applications with holiday wish lists.
For 2018, the exchange of the items for both the Christmas in July and the Holiday Angels Program will take place at a party hosted by Stuff the Sleigh in a central location where community partners and families can meet and enjoy pictures with Santa, food and festivities.
Population Served
People/Families of People with Cancer / Families / Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Program Long-Term Success
Our organization started as a way to provide pediatric cancer and hematology patients and families with a holiday party and a reason to smile despite their current circumstances. Our organization went from providing one toy to each patient and sibling to providing making holiday wishes come true for 60 patients, siblings, and parents. Each family was also given a gift card to purchase their holiday dinner as well as a gas card to alleviate the out of pocket expenses for treatment.
Program Short-Term Success
Immediately following our Holiday Angels Program in 2017, we received testimonials from community partners, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, and families stating how impactful and meaningful the program was. It was a complete success for everyone involved - especially the 60 families who received the holiday assistance they would not have gotten elsewhere.
Description
Our iPad Assistance Program provides iPads and laptops patients who miss school due to multiple medical appointments, or who are put on homebound schooling with the opportunity to remain connected with the outside world. This connection is critical to ensuring they don’t fall behind and providing a much-needed sense of normalcy, all while lifting their spirits and giving them a reason to fight!
Population Served
People/Families of People with Cancer / K-12 (5-19 years) / Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Program Long-Term Success
Since Stuff the Sleigh gave out our first iPad over 5 years ago, we have received countless accolades from school teachers, counselors, parents, nurses and community members who have been directly impacted by our program. The ability to give patients and families a tool that serves as a distraction during chemotherapy or hospitalizations, while also serving as a bridge to their education, is incredible.
Program Short-Term Success
School teachers and homebound school providers contact our organization providing direct testimonial's of the impact the program provides to families who would otherwise not have access to the electronics.