Project Ed Bear, a local nonprofit that provides comfort for children with cancer, is seeking donations for Easter baskets for Akron Children’s Hospital and University Hospital Rainbow Babies and Children’s.
Community members may donate items to help Project Ed Bear fill baskets for children, many who cannot spend Easter at home. Project Ed Bear will assemble 35 large baskets for children in the hospital on Easter morning, and another 100 bags for children in the clinic.
“We want these kids to feel a wave of love from their community,” said Susan Summerville, cofounder of Project Ed Bear. “Every basket is a reminder that we are all thinking of them, and sending them love and care for a strong recovery.”
Items sought include:
• Handmade cards
• Amazon gift cards
• Stuffed animals
• Crayon sets
• Small hatchimals
• Journals
• Toy Story toys (most requested items!)
• L.O.L. Surprise! dolls (most requested items!)
• Chocolate (like bunnies or eggs)
• Candies (like jelly beans or marshmallow bunnies)
Please note, Project Ed Bear cannot give children homemade candy, anything containing nuts (including Reese Eggs), or items with latex or bubbles.
Donations may be mailed or dropped off by April 15 to:
Project Ed Bear
656 Chilham Circle
Uniontown, OH 44685
Project Ed Bear is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to comforting kids with cancer. Since 1994, the organization has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Akron Children’s Hospital Oncology Department, as well as a variety of gifts and experiences to every child who receives a cancer diagnosis. Project Ed Bear also hosts end of treatment parties, and sends holiday treats—like these Easter baskets—to children battling cancer.
“If a child has to go through a chemotherapy session this Easter, we want them to be opening cards and treats while they do it,” said Summerville. “As a community, we have the chance to send them love and positivity—and that makes all the difference.”
The group offers a special thank you to T-Strong, a new nonprofit founded by Tim Reed — a former Project Ed Bear scholarship recipient, for joining the Easter Basket efforts.
For questions, or to drop off a donation in Akron or Green, contact Susan Summerville at [email protected] or visit ProjectEdBear.org.
