TMG Cares Volunteers Bring Joy to Sick Children with the Chelsea Hicks Foundation

July 17, 2024 | On a bright and uplifting morning, a group of dedicated volunteers from the TMG Family of Companies, organized through TMG Cares, spent their time at the Chelsea Hicks Foundation, a nonprofit named in honor of a brave little girl who loved to dress up despite her illness. The Foundation brings smiles to sick children through the magic of costumes and imaginative play. On their recent visit to the non-profit's warehouse brimming with all types and sizes, the volunteers took on the important task of sorting, organizing, and classifying a plethora of costumes and accessories.

The costumes and accessories, along with toys and bicycles, will be made available to children currently staying at hospitals during their journeys battling serious illness, injury, burns and more. Travelling through the hospital halls with their bright red rolling costume-packed cart aptly named Chelsea's Closet, volunteers from The Chelsea Hicks Foundation bring a fun-filled spirit and a sense of whimsical wonder to those going through difficult medical journeys. Hospitalized childrens' siblings are also included in the fun and imaginative play that these costumes bring.

The Chelsea Hicks Foundation also provides mobile Chelsea's Closet costume kits to families all across the country. These kits are shipped to children both at home and currently in the hospital and offer children the chance to escape their daily medical battles and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and fun.

With enthusiasm and care, TMG Cares volunteers meticulously prepared the costumes and accessories, ensuring each item was ready to bring joy to its future wearer. From superhero capes to princess tiaras, every piece was handled with the knowledge that it would soon brighten a child's day.

TMG Volunteer Larrisa shared some heart-felt words about how much this volunteer opportunity meant to her: "When I first heard about the Chelsea Hicks Foundation at orientation, I teared up. Growing up as a cancer kid myself, I was so honored and overjoyed to do this event. Learning about the Foundation, realizing how close in age Chelsea was to my first diagnosis, and helping all these kids have some of the brightest moments in their lives... I'm so honored to be a part of that. I would do this again in a heartbeat. This will always live in a special part of my heart. I'll be back for more volunteer work and support!”

Another TMG volunteer who helped at the event that day shared: "This was the best two hours spent - the coordinator is so full of energy, and she inspires you to want to give your all - I really didn't want to leave - glad I was able to help and would do it again.”

This heartfelt effort by TMG Cares is a testament to the spirit of community and compassion that defines the TMG Family of Companies. By supporting the Chelsea Hicks Foundation, they are helping to spread smiles and create magical moments for children facing challenging times.

About Chelsea's Closet and The Chelsea Hicks Foundation

From chelseahicksfoundation.org:

About-CHF-Page-Pic The Chelsea Hicks Foundation was founded in 2009 and inspired by Chelsea Hicks. While undergoing 22 months of treatment for childhood cancer, Chelsea loved playing dress-up with her young cousins and fellow patients – and the joy of play and reminder of childhood was therapeutic for her and everyone around her.

When Chelsea passed away at the age of five, her family wanted to honor her memory by bringing imagination and play to other hospitalized children. Today The Chelsea Hicks Foundation is bringing hope and healing to seriously ill children in Northwest hospitals.

Through  Chelsea’s  Closet,  we  visit  Portland,  Oregon‐based  Doernbecher  and  Randall  Children’s Hospitals  every  month,  where  children in all 36 counties in Oregon and beyond the Northwest are served.

About TMG Cares

Corporate Caring in Action

The TMG Family of Companies understands the importance of giving back and making a difference in our communities. Each year, employees select a few charities to support through TMG Cares. TMG Cares is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

TMG Cares consists of 4 distinct pillars of service, each representing a specific focus area and set of initiatives. These pillars encompass a range of programs and projects designed to address various social, emotional, and community needs, and reflect a comprehensive approach to making a positive impact on the communities where we live and work. Each pillar’s initiatives are carefully crafted to align with its respective focus, allowing the nonprofit to address a diverse range of needs and challenges while working towards a common goal of improving lives and building a stronger community.