Project Updates
Collin Raye and Operation Kids: “She’s With Me” Campaign
This spring, as you remember, we teamed with musical artist Collin Raye to raise awareness and funds for families of children facing extraordinary medical expenses. One of the songs on Collin’s new CD Never Going Back, “She’s With Me,” was written as a tribute to his granddaughter, Haley, who suffers from an undiagnosed degenerative neurological disorder, helping him understand first-hand the challenges that parents of children with serious medical conditions face.
Over the course of two months many supporters helped raise several thousand dollars to help with the medical and logistical costs for families facing extreme challenges. This week, we sent a check to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), an organization that helps provide funding assistance to families of children who need or have had a life-saving transplant. We have worked with COTA in the past and know that the money will make a great impact in the lives of several families, thanks to you generosity.
As part of the campaign, we also asked for people to submit their stories to share with others who were going through similar experiences. Several of you posted your stories on our online story hub here. We invite you to read them and share your own if you have one.
We sincerely appreciate people like those who in these economic times are so generous and willing to help where help is so desperately needed. As we receive the stories of the families who received funding as a result of your donations, we will be certain to share them with you.
You can see some of the great coverage the campaign received on NBC, CBS, Fox and in other news sources, by clicking here.
Christmas Box International Lifestart Initiative
Through the support of generous donors, Christmas Box International has been able to provide Lifestart kits to 600 youth aging out of foster care this year. They have also been able to open up a new state program in Arizona to help the large number of youth aging out of foster care there.
Hundreds of donors have contributed more than $60,000 to the effort this year. Unfortunately, the need is still pressing and growing larger. As you think about sending your children back to school or teens off to college, consider setting aside some funds to help provide a kit with life essentials to a child who otherwise will have nothing else with which to face the world of adulthood.
Click here for more information on the Lifestart initiative or how you can provide a kit to a teen in need.