Francine, Robert and Robbie Albritton; Mindy and Raina Morack; Annette and Meghan Canard; Hiroko Nakajima; Scout leaders and parents of Pack 160, and Girl Scout Service Unit 56-4: Girl Scout Troop 240; Brownie Troops 1862, 3260, 873; and Daisy Troop 6673,84 donated toys and decorated Jared Boxes that have been delivered to INOVA Fairfax Hospital for Children, INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital, and the pediatric patients of Reston Hospital and INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital. Photo Contributed
Jared Boxes are filled with small toys, books, games and well wishes to lift the spirits of chronically ill children and symbolize the importance of play. The project is named after Jared, a 5-year-old boy who battled cancer with courage. He died Nov. 12, 2000 while listening to his favorite song, "You'll be in my Heart."
Local businesses generously donated to the Jared Box Project, including the Herndon K-Mart, Greenbrier 5 Below, Fairfax Wegmans, Franklin Farm Giant, Chantilly Costco, Oriental Trading Company and Reston Target.
The Jared Box Project will continue to provide a special diversion for young patients as they receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. If you would like to become involved contact Francine Albritton at fkapello@aol.com. To learn more, go to www.thejaredbox.com or http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jared-Box-Project/334787736710.