An Obvious Choice
For anyone who knows me, it will come as no surprise that this is the first charity I’m spotlighting on the site. Founded by my taller, better half about 15 years ago, Maximum Hope Foundation is a unique and incredible organization. I know this from 12 years of personal involvement with it, from visiting kids and families in the hospitals, to organizing all elements of fundraising events, to writing and editing promotional materials, and donating to the cause myself along the way.
Why I Love This Charity
I have never given birth to a child of my own. However, like you, I have been a child. I try to imagine the immense strain that my hard-working parents would have been under had I been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness when I was young. The toll that would have taken on them, emotionally and financially, they may never have recovered from. Even as a little girl I know I would have felt that additional stress and pressure on their shoulders. Maybe I would have even felt some responsibility for it, even though my illness would not have been my fault or anyone else’s. I know my mom and dad would have been there for me, come hell or high water… But they would have struggled immensely to make ends meet in the process. I would have wished that someone could help my parents so they could be with me when I was scared and in pain. That wish come true is what Maximum Hope does.
Who They Help and How they Help
Maximum Hope helps struggling children and families by assisting them with urgent practical needs. We’re talking about getting groceries for a family that has to choose between food and rent as their child fights for his or her life. Gas cards for the parent who can’t otherwise afford to make the 80-mile drive to and from the children’s hospital every day to be with their son or daughter. Electricity bill payments for the family whose baby is on a ventilator at home, and who are about to have their power turned off. These are real challenges faced by real, hard-working folks who have been blindsided by their worst nightmare come true. Their child is literally battling to survive, and they are having to choose between being with their little one in what may be their final days, or going to work to avoid being evicted. Maximum Hope believes that these are choices no one should have to make.
One of my quarantine hobbies has been experimenting with watercolor.
I even got Brad to try it (he painted the koi fish!).
Here’s just one example of how you could make a card to send to a child or parent who is struggling.
How WE Can Help
I recognize that, especially at challenging times like these, giving money to charity is not always an option. It is my goal to always offer ways you can help a cause that don’t just involve writing a check. Of course, being that Maximum Hope most frequently assists by paying a family’s urgent bills, those sorts of donations are always welcome and appreciated (and you can make those donations here). But there are some other ways you can contribute as well!
Write a card to a child or parent who is struggling.
If you have kids this can be an awesome project to do with them, and if not, it’s an awesome project to do by yourself! You can use an existing card, or draw/paint/craft/create a card or picture yourself. For someone who is going through probably the toughest time in their life, a few words of kindness and a cheerful note of support from a stranger can really make a difference and brighten their day. Here are some examples of what you can write and some guidelines for what to say (or not to say):
- To a child, say something simple and uplifting. Things like: “Never forget how AMAZING you are!” or “You are awesome and you inspire me!” or “Your smile lights up the room!” or “You are a ray of sunshine!” You can come up with whatever you want to say, so long as it’s positive and appropriate.
- To a parent, write something supportive but not too specific. For example: “I am sending you strength and support and wishing you and your loved ones only the best.” or “You are not alone, there are people you don’t even know who are sending good thoughts your way. Stay strong and don’t forget to take care of yourself.” or “I am so sorry for what you and your loved ones are going through. Just know you are in our thoughts and hearts.”
- Note: you can sign your name and the state you live in but please don’t include any other personal information
- Send these cards/pictures to: Maximum Hope Foundation, c/o Kimberley Evans, 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Kimberley is the heart and soul of Maximum Hope. She will read the messages and ensure they are matched with the perfect child or parent and hand-delivered with care.
Send a small gift from Maximum Hope’s Amazon Wish List
Maybe you don’t want to bother mailing a check for $5 but you have an extra $5 to spend! Maximum Hope Foundation has an official charity Amazon Wish List that includes small gift items that can be delivered to children to help brighten their day, bring them comfort, or entertain them during long hospital stays. There are also items for babies, toys for children’s birthdays or holidays, and nonperishable snacks that can be brought to family members in the hospital. Almost everything on the list is under $30. Some items are even under $5. Check out the wish list here and give a little boost to a child or parent in their darkest days.
Give Something, Get Something!
Brad, my amazing hubby-to-be, gives all he can to Maximum Hope and is always in search of new ways to raise money for this important cause. Currently, you can hire him to send a message to you or a loved one on the Cameo app (or click here if you don’t have the app), and 100% of the money he earns goes directly to this cause. You can also purchase copies of his book, headshots, or Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club hats with the option to have any of the above signed OR signed and personalized here. For these items 100% of the purchase price (not just the proceeds but 100% of the money you spend) goes directly to Maximum Hope as well.