James' Emergency Toy Box

Have you ever told yourself you would never let something happen again? Has that thing happened again, and at the worst possible time? That's what happened to us. My 2-year-old cousin, James, was rushed into emergency surgery for a cancerous brain tumor the size of an orange. My mom was there with my aunt and uncle as support and became the voice to the world outside the hospital waiting room. That was until she realized her phone battery was low. She asked everyone in the waiting room, and not one person had a charger for her type of phone. AAAHHHHHH. She vowed she would never let this happen again.

The second time my cousin went in for brain surgery, it was planned and a lot calmer. Even still, it was very stressful. As my mother sat there waiting for the surgery to end, she realized her phone battery was once again low. Could it be possible? Yes, not thinking clearly because of the situation, she forgot her charger again. Once again, not one person had a charger that matched her phone.

That's when I realized, in these situations, people are not thinking about anything but the person in the hospital. I wished there was something I could do to help. I was lucky enough to meet Leah Okimoto, the Founder of Aaron's Presents, which provides kids in 8th grade and below with a chance to do something good in the community. She provided me with the guidance and tools to start James' Emergency Toybox. It is a box of phone chargers and cables for people to use while they are in a waiting room. Although James has been through rounds of chemo and radiation, he is a smart, loving and playful little boy. He certainly loves his own toybox. I am hoping that this toybox will make many people's days a little easier.

100% of your donations will go toward purchasing supplies for more "James' Emergency Toyboxes" for hospital waiting rooms. If you would like to donate any of the following items, please email me at [email protected]: 6-port charging stations, Android cables, Apple Lightning cables or older Apple cables

Thank you so much for your help!
Alyssa 12 years old, Methuen, MA
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Aaron’s Presents is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit giving children in 8th grade and below a unique opportunity to design and carry out a positive project that helps or serves others. The program is child-initiated, child-led, non-competitive and accessible to any child regardless of resources or availability of adult support. We provide all of the mentoring, materials/services (up to $500 worth) and logistical help needed. In the process, children experience firsthand the sense of purpose that comes from tapping into who they are and reaching out to help others with empathy, generosity and passion. (www.aaronspresents.org)