Oak Forest HS Clubs Are Collecting Toys for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation

The Oak Forest High School Snowball Club and Rotary-Interact Club are looking for toy donations for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. This toy drive will run through December 11.

The toys that are collected are given to sick children who have been stricken with cancer. The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation was created by Oak Forest resident Colleen Kisel after her son Marty (a former OFHS student) was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of seven. Colleen found that when Marty had to undergo a painful procedure like a spinal tap or a bone marrow aspiration, a small toy would provide comfort and distraction during the procedure. The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation is an organization that stores these donated toys until they are needed to help innocent children get through their painful procedures.

Last year, Oak Forest High School collected nearly 1,250 toys and helped to build toy chests in 32 locations, including Hope Children’s Hospital. As a direct result of the Oak Forest High School toy drive, a new Treasure Chest was opened again this year. Since the creation of the toy drive in 2003, Oak Forest High School has remained the top leader in toy donations for this cause.

Toys that are appropriate for the drive are: coloring books and crayons, board games, play dough or art projects, Barbie dolls and accessories, trucks and cars, models, jewelry, hair accessories, gift certificates from fast food restaurants or music or video stores, or a kid favorite, finger skateboards. Please, do not contribute stuffed animals. Toys should not be wrapped. They are distributed to children all year round.

Students can bring toys to their classroom teachers. Community members can bring toys to the front security desk.

The final day to contribute to the toy drive is December 11.

The Snowball Club is directed by Mr. Ken Valiska and the Rotary-Interact Club is directed by Mr. Brian McDonough. For more information, email kvaliska@bhsd228.com.