Oak Forest Family’s Generosity Gives Back to the Treasure Chest

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) recently received a donation of 151 Potato Head Toys thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of an Oak Forest family. The Petraitis Family reached out to friends, family and even strangers and asked for a donation of Potato Head toys. The family collected over 500 toys since starting the Petraitis Family holiday toy drive in 2020.

When asked what motivated such a successful event to benefit the Treasure Chest Foundation Cathy Petraitis said, “As a family, we gave much thought about what toy would bring happiness to these brave children and decided that everyone needs a Mr. Potato Head in their life.”

POTCF Founder and CEO Colleen Kisel said, “We feel so blessed to have the support of the Petraitis family and all of their friends. We are amazed and grateful at what one family can do for a charity like ours.”

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 16,100 young cancer patients in 66 cancer treatment centers in 21 states across the nation and in the District of Columbia. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. Colleen Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. Ms. Kisel discovered that giving her son a toy after each procedure provided a calming distraction from his pain, noting that when children are diagnosed with cancer their world soon becomes filled with doctors, nurses, chemotherapy drugs, surgeries and seemingly endless painful procedures. Martin celebrated his 29th anniversary of remission from the disease in March of this year.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 1-708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.treasurechest.org.