Thursday, June 28, 2012

"Christmas in July" Toy Drive


"THIS IS NOT AN EVENT YOU ATTEND!!! If you can't take part or just don't want to... just remember Oliver on his day and do something nice for someone else. I just thought I'd give people the opportunity to serve...


Oliver would have been 11 this July 11th, but passed away four months ago after a two year battle with a brain tumor (DIPG - Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). As a parent of a child with a life threatening illness you never know if a child will reach another birthday or holiday. As Oliver's birthday gets closer I wanted to do something to honor and remember him as well as help other children. There may be children battling now that won't make it to see another Christmas and I would like to make them happy if just for a moment. I know Ollie would have enjoyed making them happy as well.

I ask for donations of toys or items (games, fingernail polish/decals, arts and crafts items, books, etc.) for the hospital where Oliver was treated. I know the radiation department is on board as they are in need specifically of items for 10 -14 year old patients, but can use anything. After each radiation treatment, the children are allowed to pick an item out of the toy cupboard, usually something small. It was something that always made Ollie smile.

I know it may not be much, but I think this would be beneficial to the kids and their parents.

I'm going to try and find 'Santa' to come down to the hospital as well. I'm still in the brainstorming process, but would love any help I can get. THANK YOU in advance!!!

You can send toys or a donation of money (we'll buy the toys here locally and take them down to the hospital) to:

Christmas in July
c/o Ed and Stacy Palmer
417 Oaklawn Avenue
Waterloo, Iowa 50701

We'll be taking donations the entire month of JULY!!!

4 comments:

L C said...

We will be sending a box!Sending big love your way...

The Chhay Family

Anonymous said...

Do the toys need to be new or can they be gently used? I would like to help but am unemployed and don't have much money.

Anonymous said...

Dear Stacy,
I found your blog in January and sent Ollie a "Spanish" package on the mail then. I have been praying for you and your family since then. I will be sending another package with some treats/donations for the hospital. I think it is an amazing idea to honor your son and help others.
Thank you for letting us be part of this project!

Vanessa D - Cincinnati

B said...

My son was born just a few hours before your Ollie on 7/11/01. This year I put an extra candle on his cake just for your boy. I hope you don't mind.
He should be with you.
Thinking of you.