Care Packages Project
Background
In recognition of the unique challenges faced by patients affected by rare diseases as well as their families, we introduce the "Care Packages Project." With the help of our volunteers and partnerships, and funding from donations, we gift care packages to patients. These care packages are wish-based or need-based.
What is it?
01.
Item donations
02.
Funds
03.
Patients
04.
Volunteer support
Mailed in and collected donations such as self care items, warm socks, and candy are added to our care packages. We also may include items from our other projects such as the "Books and Toys" project and the "Letters and Arts" project inside the care packages.
Unfortunately, families are sometimes unable to purchase the items that they need due to their circumstances. Funds SARD gets through donations and fundraisers are used to purchase items for need-based, general, wish-based care packages.
SARD volunteers work to sanitize, package, and distribute care packages to patients. Volunteers make sure that all items are sanitized and okay for patient to have (ex. candy that is okay for a patient's dietary restrictions).
To make wish-based and need-based care packages, we ask patients and their families what would help them out or simply brighten their day. General care packages are bought by our chapters and packaged to distribute at local hospitals.
Our types of care packages
Need-based
Our need based care packages go to families and patients who need financial support buying items or treatment. The packages are purchased when a person sponsors the package as well as with donation funds. Financial assistance for treatments use donation funds.
Wish-based
Wish-based care packages are individualized so that each patient can receive what they truly want. We do this by talking to the patients themselves, then assembling the care packages by purchasing items with funds or items that they want that have already been donated.
General Packages
Items related to a holiday or season are collected through donation drives or purchased with monetary donations raised by our chapters. Our volunteers then distribute these care packages at local hospitals.
How to participate (for our chapters):
1. Think about what type of care packages your chapter would like to create (need/wish/general)
2. Reach out to emilywang.sard@gmail.com for advice on how to proceed with your campaign and where your care packages will be donated
What this could look like:
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Running a donation drive for new items to donate
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Being issued a temporary credit card sponsored by SARD to purchase new items
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Running a fundraiser for a specific patient or family