When the ER doctor said, “We suspect your son has leukemia and you are being admitted to the PICU tonight,” those words stayed with me—and I’ll never be the same.
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Who are we
Our founders, Dina and Senad, are the parents of Max, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Inspired by their journey, their mission is to bring comfort, joy, and support to all families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer.
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Our Goal
Our goal for Maxwell’s Toy Box is to become a vital resource for parents and caregivers, providing education about childhood cancer and ongoing support for families. Our specific objectives include:
- Increasing toy donations to 3,000 toys per year per hospital.
- Expanding support to all Chicagoland Children’s Hospitals.
- Launching comprehensive support programs for families.
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How you can help
Join us in making a difference! Here’s how you can support:
- Donate: Every dollar helps bring joy to a child’s hospital stay.
- Volunteer: Help us wrap and deliver toys to kids in need.
- Become a Sponsor: Partner with us to provide even more support for children and families.
- Host a Toy Drive: Rally your community, workplace, or school to collect toys for our cause.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission to help us reach more families and supporters.
Together, we can bring hope and joy to children and families facing unimaginable challenges.
💛 Our Volunteer Days in Action
Your Donation Sparks JOY.
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“It puts a smile on my face knowing there’s so much love and support out there. But the real blessing is seeing my daughter smile.” — Vanessa, Mom to a Childhood Cancer Warrior
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"Thank you for making my daughter's day after a very long treatment day." — Dad to a Childhood Cancer Warrior
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“Each time Maxwell’s Toy Box donates, their contributions are filled with intention and meaning for the children. Despite the challenges these kids face, the thoughtfully curated toys, books, and gift cards help lift their spirits and bring comfort. We are so grateful for the continued support and love they bring to our families.” — Child Life Specialist, Advocate Children’s Hospital
Maxwell's Toy Box in the News!
Maxwell's Toy Box in the News!
Explore our media features! Click on the images below to read the full articles and watch our CBS segment.
OUR COMMUNITY
Every toy, every package, and every donation makes a real difference for children battling cancer. Through your generosity, Maxwell’s Toy Box is able to bring comfort, joy, and resources to families navigating the hardest days of their lives.
What We've Achieved Together:
🎁 2,488 Toys Donated to brighten clinic days and hospital stays.
📚 218 Books gifted to provide comfort during treatment.
✨ 299 Joy Packages delivered to children during cancer treatment.
💙 40 Newly Diagnosed Family Bags filled with medical supplies and comfort items.
🎟️ 51 Amazon Gift Cards ($510 total value) given to families facing financial strain.
🏥 Supporting 2 Children's Hospitals (Advocate Children's Hospitals in Park Ridge, IL + Oak Lawn, IL).
📆 Year-Round Support—Because childhood cancer doesn’t take a break.
💛 Your support fuels this impact. Help us continue making a difference.
Our trusted partners
Why support Maxwell’s Toy Box?
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🧸 Because cancer takes enough — families shouldn’t carry the burden alone.
We provide free Joy Packages filled with toys, books, and comfort items to children undergoing cancer treatment — lifting spirits and offering emotional relief during the toughest moments.
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💳 Because childhood cancer impacts the whole family.
From unexpected hospital stays to lost income, families face overwhelming costs. That’s why we also provide gas and grocery gift cards to help relieve the stress of getting to appointments and keeping food on the table.
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🧠 Because mental health matters — for kids and caregivers.
A cancer diagnosis can be traumatic. Our packages help create moments of joy, normalcy, and emotional healing, reminding children they are not forgotten and giving parents a small moment of peace.
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💛 Your support gives more than toys — it gives strength.
Every dollar helps families feel seen, supported, and surrounded by community. Together, we can keep showing up — all year long — for children fighting cancer.
🏥 Hospitals We Support
Every hospital we serve holds a special place in our story. From Max’s very first treatment day to our growing partnerships across Chicagoland, we’re committed to showing up for kids and families where they need us most—with comfort, support, and joy that lasts all year long.
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📍 Supporting since 2023
This is where our story began—Max was diagnosed at just 2 years old and continues his treatment journey here today. We know these hallways, the incredible staff, and what it means to face clinic days with courage. That’s why we’re committed to showing up year-round with Joy Packages, comfort kits, and support for families walking a similar path.
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📍 Supporting since 2024
We expanded to Oak Lawn to ensure more children and families received the same care and comfort that helped us. From toys and distraction during treatment to gift cards for everyday needs, our support brings relief and reminds families they’re not forgotten.