Zach's Toy Chest, a nonprofit organization created to benefit children of all ages receiving outpatient cancer treatments at Duke Children's Valvano Day Hospital, has announced a call for donations. The mission of the organization is to provide all outpatients with a gift to keep them occupied while receiving treatment. All donations will go directly to Duke Children's Valvano Day Hospital.
Much-needed donations include new, unopened toys for all ages, as well as books and video games. These newly purchased items will be provided for outpatients receiving treatment; they'll be able to take them home to keep as well.
"My son Zach and I have spent countless hours at Duke Children's Valvano Day Hospital. Even though we were there for an unpleasant reason - Zach was receiving chemotherapy - I was impressed by the level of compassion and professionalism shown by everyone I came in contact with," says Holly Schwab, founder and director of Zach's Toy Chest. "The only missing link I witnessed was the activity situation for the children. My goal is for every outpatient to have something to play with and keep as theirs, and I encourage everyone to donate to this cause. We were successful in 2009, and I look forward to exceeding our goals this year."
To donate an item, contact Holly Schwab at 919-803-5038 or e-mail . Additionally, Whole Foods Markets of Chapel Hill and Durham will have Zach's Toy Chest donation stations set up through Dec. 19.
For more information on the organization, call (919) 803-5038 or visit http://zachstoychest.org.