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. At Maxwell’s Toy Box, we support children battling cancer and their families year-round.
Supporting Children and Their Families Battling Cancer
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Who We Are
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. Learn more about our family’s childhood cancer journey.
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Our Mission
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 expanding support to all Chicagoland Children’s Hospitals and launching comprehensive support programs for families.
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Ways You Can Help
Join us in making a difference by making a one-time or monthly donation, volunteering to wrap and deliver toys to kids in need, hosting a toy drive at your workplace or school to collect toys for our cause, and more. Together, we can bring hope and joy to children and families facing unimaginable challenges.
Every toy, every package, and every donation makes a real difference for children battling cancer. Through your generosity, Maxwell’s Toy Box can bring comfort, joy, and resources to families navigating the hardest days of their lives. Together, we’ve supported two Advocate Children’s Hospitals in Park Ridge and Oak Lawn, Illinois, and achieved the following:
🧸 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.
Your support fuels this impact. Help us continue making a difference.
Community Impact
You and your team can brighten the lives of children facing cancer by hosting a Volunteer Day at your workplace. Come together to assemble Joy Packages—a meaningful way to give back and support families, while also offering an employee giving opportunity.
The Joy Packages you assemble are then dropped off (often the same day) at one of the hospitals we support, where team participants can see their impact firsthand by delivering the packages directly to children and their families.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your Volunteer Day!
Volunteer Days in Action
Your Donation Sparks JOY!
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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
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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
Our Hospital Partnerships
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. Stay tuned to learn more about our growing partnerships!
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🎗️Since 2023, we’ve supported Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois.
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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🎗️ Since 2024, we’ve supported Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois.We’ve expanded to Oak Lawn to ensure even more children and families battling childhood cancer receive the same care and comfort that helped us. From toys that serve as joyful distractions during treatment to gift cards for everyday needs, our support brings relief and reminds families they’re not forgotten.
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.
Why Support Maxwell’s Toy Box?
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Cancer Takes Enough — Families Shouldn’t Face it Alone.
We provide free Joy Packages, filled with toys, books, and comfort items, to children undergoing cancer treatment. During the toughest moments, these packages uplift spirits and offer emotional relief.
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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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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, every care package, every toy, helps families feel seen, supported, and surrounded by their community. Together, we can keep showing up for children and their families fighting cancer all year long.
We are so grateful for our community of trusted partners that support little warriors while making a remarkable impact. Your unwavering commitment provides comfort and joy to children and their families facing childhood cancer!
