Operation Love Bigger donates to Boxes of Hope
LOCK HAVEN -- The kindness of strangers can come at a time when you least expect it and need it the most. That kindness was on display when Operation Love Bigger Inc. presented donations to Boxes of Hope and Chayna Guiswite, a breast cancer survivor.
The group raised $1,100 with a cornhole tournament that was held in memory of Shirley Gaines, who passed away from breast cancer last year. Along with 12 teams competing in the tournament, there was also a Chinese Auction and 50/50 drawing, and the group noted that some people attended just to show their support.
"Our plan is to make this an annual event dedicated to my mother," Brad Gaines said.
Traci Fotorny, founder and president of Boxes of Hope, said the donation will go toward shipping costs so they will be able to send more care packages and spread more hope to women who are battling breast cancer. Although Shirley is a previous recipient of a care package, Traci did not get the opportunity to meet her, so receiving this donation from Shirley's family and friends was a full circle moment for Traci.
Operation Love Bigger Inc. also wanted to extend their generosity to a local breast cancer warrior and Traci instantly knew that Chayna would be the perfect candidate. "Chayna immediately popped into my mind as soon as they asked who to donate to. I didn't doubt for a second that she should be the one. It was like God whispered her name to me to let me know she needed to be the recipient," Traci said. At 31 years old, Chayna's life has irrevocably changed after getting diagnosed with stage 3, grade 3, breast cancer. After chemotherapy and a surgery that involved removing the four-centimeter tumor and five lymph nodes, Chayna is now in a place where there is "no evidence" of cancer. But her journey is not over, and her treatment requires her to make weekly trips to Pittsburgh. Chayna said that the donation will help with travel expenses and came at the perfect time. She and her family are currently looking for a new home and hope to move to the Jersey Shore area. After sharing ways that helped her cope with the side effects of chemotherapy, including hair loss, Chayna said, "I'm just blessed to be alive."
As a previous beneficiary of Boxes of Hope, Chayna said that receiving the care package was reassuring and made her feel that she was not alone.
Boxes of Hope is always appreciative for donations of items for their care packages. Each box contains items that are carefully selected to bring hope and comfort to the recipient, such as an inspirational book or journal, word search or crossword puzzle book, socks, travel size tissues, chapstick, travel size hand lotion or hand sanitizer, bath bomb, loofah, nail art stickers, chamomile or peppermint tea packets, chemo hat, prayer square and a handmade angel.
Another way you can help Boxes of Hope is by setting up a packing party. Recently, members of the Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven packed 118 care packages in about an hour.
On Sept. 14, Boxes of Hope will be hosting an interactive murder mystery fundraiser, Murder on the High Seas. Guests are encouraged to wear a 1920's costume and use their detective sleuthing skills to help solve the murder mystery. Tickets will go on sale on Aug. 1, beginning at 7 a.m., and Boxes of Hope is currently seeking business sponsors, silent auction donations and volunteers to help at the event.
They also have an ongoing fundraiser where you can dedicate a chair or brick on their wall in honor of or in memory of a breast cancer warrior.
The members of Operation Love Bigger Inc. came together with a shared desire to spread love near and far to individuals and families battling homelessness, addiction, recovery and disasters.
In addition to the cornhole tournament, they have organized a backpack giveaway to provide children with back-to-school supplies and a Bingo fundraiser to help families at Christmas.
Their project for the month of July is "Pick a Date to Donate." You can pick the day that coordinates with how much money you would like to donate. For example, the 1st day of the month would be $1, the 2nd day would be $2 and so on. Donations can be sent through Venmo to @Love-Big-1. Proceeds will go to a family in need of back-to-school items. Anyone who knows of a family in need can email a letter to lovebigger2023@gmail.com. Please include names, ages, grades and sizes of the children and how to contact them either by phone or email. Operation Love Bigger Inc. will then choose one or two families to help.
Operation Love Bigger Inc. is always looking for more volunteers to help with their mission. Join their Facebook group for more information on how you can help.
"I'm thankful the Lord has blessed me with the ability to help others, as I know my mother was always ready and willing to help anyone," Brad Gaines said.