According to the World Health Organization, approximately 400,000 children (aged 0-19) are diagnosed with cancer each year. 16,000 of those are within the United States alone, and cancers like leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma claim the lives of too many every day.
The Michael Hoefflin Foundation is a local non-profit organization that aims to help children with pediatric cancers and their families. They raise money for cancer awareness by holding various fundraisers in the Santa Clarita Valley, and they bring the community together while doing so.
One of their biggest annual events is their Holiday Toy Drive, in which they collect donated toys to give to families affected by cancer during the holidays. Our very own Big Hearts For Little Ones club here at Canyon is the Michael Hoefflin Foundation’s biggest donor, and they wear that title with pride.
Having gathered more than 600 toys last year, the club’s officers and advisor, Dr. Goodwin, have high hopes for this year’s turnout.
Big Hearts For Little Ones’ overall mission is to, in the words of Vice President Roselyn Ramirez, “bring happiness to kids who are feeling down and dealing with a hard time because of cancer.”
For the 10 years that this club has been running, Big Hearts For Little Ones has held various fundraisers and toy drives to support local children in need. According to President Allison Perez, “there are over 300 cancer kids from here to over in Palmdale.” Such a large number of children are going through hardships, and it’s more important than ever to bring a little extra joy into their lives!
Especially during the holiday season, when funds that usually go towards gifts and celebrations are allocated to medical bills, your donation could ensure that every child experiences the joy of unwrapping a gift this season!
If you would like to donate new, unopened toys, you can drop them off in Dr. Goodwin’s room, AA-3, during brunch and lunch. In addition to supporting a great cause and helping your community, you can receive community service hours for your donation. The toy drive ends on Nov. 19, so get them in soon. Let’s make this holiday season the brightest it's ever been!
