STATE COLLEGE — The Jared Box Project is celebrating a record- breaking achievement. Volunteers from across the country came together for the Great Pack- Off, creating 1,662 Jared Boxes and surpassing the previous record of 1,000 boxes set during a company give-back event in the Philadelphia area.
The Great Pack-Off brought together families, schools, businesses, community organizations, and healthcare partners, all united by a shared mission to bring smiles to children facing health challenges.
Volunteers assembled 800 Jared Boxes at Our Lady of Victory Activity Center in State College, with additional box-making efforts taking place across the country. Participating groups included 814 Dance Studio in Penns Valley, the Jacobs family in Altoona, the Penn State Erie Jared Box Club, Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, MindBodyArt School of Dance, the State College Area High School Marching Band, the Jared Box Club in Colorado Springs, and North Catholic High School Girls Volleyball in Pittsburgh.
Penn Highlands Healthcare also played a significant role in the record-breaking effort, hosting packing events at 10 of its hospitals across Pennsylvania. Together, its teams created 222 Jared Boxes for children receiving care at their facilities.
The achievement reflects the extraordinary generosity and teamwork of everyone who contributed their time, resources, and enthusiasm to the project.
“This was a huge undertaking, with so many moving parts. We are so thankful to our sponsors, volunteers, and healthcare providers for their support. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together, sharing smiles and laughter while assembling these boxes,” said Cindy Kolarik, Executive Director of The Jared Box Project.
“Breaking the record was our goal, but watching everyone come together to make it happen was truly the most rewarding part. And now, just imagine 1,662 smiles!”
Each Jared Box is filled with small toys, games, cards, and other fun items to provide children with entertainment and a welcome distraction during hospital stays.
