Service Project Idea: Jared Boxes

If your troop is looking for a service project idea to do with cookie proceeds, consider the Jared Box Project.

A Jared Box is a plastic storage box filled with small gifts, toys, games, and fun activities. Each box contains items selected for a specific age and gender. The boxes are delivered to hospitals. Jared Boxes provide a special diversion for young patients in emergency rooms, patient rooms, surgical centers, and clinics as they receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. Jared Boxes bring smiles and laughter and lift the spirits of children in the hospital. There are pictures and testimonials on the Jared Box Project Facebook page. 

The goal of the Jared Box Project is to lift the spirits of children in the hospital. The boxes symbolize the importance of play and are filled with well wishes, hope, and love. Over 200,000 Jared Boxes have been delivered across the United States. 

Also, thanks to some wonderful supporters, Jared Box will actually give you a donation of $50 for a troop to use to begin making Jared Boxes.   

For more information or to get involved contact: You can call organizer Cindy Kolarik at 814-353-9343 or thejaredbox@gmail.com

History:

The Jared Box project was started in 2001 by the children at Our Lady of Victory School in State College, Pennsylvania to honor their classmate and friend, Jared. Jared was diagnosed with an incurable brain stem tumor in 1999. Jared maintained his sense of humor and the joys of childhood through play. 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. Jared's battle ended on November 12, 2000. A Jared Box is the gift of play to children in the hospital. Play is important, and a life threatening illness shouldn't interfere with the need to play.