Submitted by The Jared Box Project
STATE COLLEGE — The Jared Box Project is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from Transflo and Bregal Sagemount. This grant is part of the Bregal Helps Initiative and will fund the creation of 1,500 Jared Boxes to be distributed to children in hospitals across multiple cities, including Phoenix, Tampa, Dallas, Chicago, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Louisville and Toronto, Canada. Additionally, the grant will support the establishment of a new part-time position within the organization.
“The news of this grant is truly a game changer, transformative for the Jared Box Project. I am honored and excited beyond words. This grant allows us to push the fast-forward button, grow at an incredible pace and to make an even greater impact. I am so very thankful to Renee Krug, Transflo chief executive officer, and Emily Stratton, VP of customer solutions, for their role in championing the mission of Jared Box,” shared Cindy Kolarik, executive director, The Jared Box Project.
In conjunction with the grant announcement, The Jared Box Project welcomed Alissa Mall as its new communications and outreach coordinator. Mall, a Penn State University graduate and long-time supporter of the project, brings personal experience as her son received a Jared Box during a hospital visit. She expressed her enthusiasm for joining the organization and her commitment to expanding its outreach efforts.
“The Jared Box Project is near and very dear to my heart. Growing up in State College, I created many boxes with different organizations I was a part of. I enjoyed being able to make Jared Boxes and to be on the giving side. Once I had children of my own, that side changed. My children were recipients of Jared Boxes. I witnessed the happiness the boxes gave my children, especially during scary hospital visits. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful project and look forward to helping it grow even more,” shared Mall.
“Alissa is a tremendous asset, has a passion for Jared Box and will create an outreach program to broaden our impact. This is a great day for Jared Box, excited for our future,” added Kolarik.
The Jared Box Project has a rich history spanning over two decades, during which it has delivered smiles, laughter and hope to children in hospitals nationwide. Founded in 2001 by the children of Our Lady of Victory School in honor of their classmate Jared, who battled a brain stem tumor with remarkable courage and compassion, the project has grown significantly. Starting with 81 boxes for a local hospital, it has expanded to create over 1 million Jared Boxes distributed to children in more than 500 hospitals across all 50 states.
The project operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, relying on the generosity and support of communities, schools, businesses and other organizations to fulfill its mission. By delivering Jared Boxes filled with toys, games, cards and other enjoyable activities to children in various medical settings, including emergency rooms, hospital rooms, surgical centers and clinics, the Jared Box Project aims to bring joy and comfort to young patients nationwide.
To learn more about The Jared Box Project and how to support its mission, visit thejaredbox.org.
