Residents at Juniper Village at Brookline Senior Living spent an afternoon filling colorful boxes for a locally founded organization. The Jared Box Project was established by a local elementary school to remember and honor a former classmate named Jared, who passed away in the year 2000. At the age of five, Jared was diagnosed with an incurable brainstem tumor, during his many trips to doctors' appointments he took toys and games along to occupy his time, oftentimes sharing these treasures with other children in the waiting areas. His classmates created the Jared Box Project to provide boxes full of toys and games to sick children as a way of spreading good cheer and well wishes. Since the project began in 2001, over 200,000 boxes have been given away.
The residents at Juniper Village at Brookline completed 12 boxes, filled with an assortment of items including coloring books, stickers, play-doh, silly putty, and friendship bracelets. All boxes made were for the 4 to 8-year-old age group of boys and girls. A representative from The Jared Box Project picked up the donations and will distribute the boxes to local children in need. "It's important for our residents to stay connected to the community by offering their time to helping others. Our residents helped make a difference in children's lives without even leaving the building." say Jill McKenrick, Connections Director. Connections programs like this are one way in which residents continue to support the local community.
For more information on the Jared Box Project and how you can create your own, please visit www.thejaredbox.com.
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