STATE COLLEGE — In June 2026, The Jared Box Project celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century of delivering smiles and the gift of play to children in hospitals across the country.
The Jared Box Project began during Vacation Bible School at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in State College in June 2001. Inspired by the life and legacy of Jared McMullen, children filled shoe boxes with small toys, games, books and puzzles to brighten the days of children receiving medical care.
On June 25, 2001, those very first Jared Boxes were delivered to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville. What began as a single community service project honoring Jared has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit that has touched the lives of children and families across the country.
Today, more than one million Jared Boxes have been delivered to children at more than 650 hospitals nationwide. Jared Boxes are given to children in emergency departments, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and inpatient units. Each Jared Box provides a welcome distraction during a stressful hospital visit while reminding children and their families that someone cares.
“Twenty-five years ago, we wanted to honor Jared and simply hoped to make children smile,” said Cindy Kolarik, founder and executive director of The Jared Box Project. “We never imagined that one little boy’s legacy would inspire millions of acts of kindness. Every Jared Box represents compassion, generosity, and the gift play.”
Founded in memory of Jared McMullen, who was known for sharing his toys with other children during his own cancer treatments, The Jared Box Project has remained true to its mission: to entertain and put smiles on the faces of children in hospitals. Today, thousands of volunteers — including schools, Scout troops, churches, businesses, families, civic organizations, and community groups — continue Jared’s legacy by creating and delivering Jared Boxes to hospitals in their own communities.
“Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far Jared’s mission has reached,” Kolarik said. “Every box tells a story of kindness. Every volunteer becomes part of Jared’s legacy. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re grateful to every child, family, volunteer, hospital partner, donor, and supporter who has helped make this journey possible.”
“While we’re celebrating the past 25 years, we’re equally excited about the future,” Kolarik added. “There are still countless children who could use a smile. Here’s to the next chapter ofmaking a difference — one Jared Box at a time.”
As The Jared Box Project begins its next chapter, the organization invites schools, community groups, businesses, families, and individuals to join the mission by making Jared Boxes, organizing service projects, partnering with local hospitals, or supporting the organization through donations.
For more information about The Jared Box Project, how to make a Jared Box, or how to become involved, visit www.thejaredbox.org.
Twenty-five years after the first Jared Box was delivered, Jared’s legacy continues — one box, one smile, and one child at a time.
