Whether it's offering the support of social workers, child-life specialists or art therapists, the non-profit works to ensure that each family receives the financial and emotional support, education and the help they need from diagnosis and throughout treatment. So far, over 16,400 children and their families have received such support from this Long Island/Tri-State Area based organization.
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"No child or family member should have to go through a life-changing illness alone," Nancy Mariano, Director of Corporate Partnerships said. "We're here to offer as much support and resources for them during these difficult times."
This year, with the COVID-19 outbreak impacting events and outreach, Friends of Karen is still finding ways to offer their continued support to those families while also continuing to create awareness through safe and socially-distant measures.
For Thanksgiving, Friends of Karen is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive - which provides families with a full dinner spread - but is conducting the donations virtually this year. A $50 donation will supply a family of four with a turkey and a $100 donation will supply a family of four a turkey as well as traditional sides of stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and more.
For the upcoming holiday season, Friends of Karen hopes to fulfill 950 "Holiday Wish Lists" with their Adopt-A-Family Program. The request is that donations are made via gift cards so that children and their families can safely order their gifts online.
"Each of our children sends us their wish list, and we match each child with a kind-hearted 'elf' who purchases one or more of the gift cards on the list," Volunteer Coordinator and organizer of the program, Denise Tredwell said. "Every child looks forward to the holidays, but when parents are caring for a child with a life-threatening illness, preparing for the holidays are emotionally and financially difficult. Now with COVID-19, life is even more complicated. We want them to have joyful memories, even in the midst of illness."
Friends of Karen is accepting cash donations as well, in addition to gift cards. Please send checks and gift cards to:
Holiday Adopt-a-Family c/o Friends of Karen; 21 Perry Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Other upcoming events put on by Friends of Karen are listed here:
https://www.friendsofkaren.org/events
. And for more information email
[email protected]
or call
Call us at 631-473-1768
