Giving Hope to Hospitalized Children

Basket of Hope's mission is to give hope to hospitalized children diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness through the delivery of a Basket of Hope filled with toys, games, craft items, stuffed animals, gift cards, and other items. Hope Totes are optional for the parents and contain gifts to nourish them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Every week many children are diagnosed with cancer and other serious ilnesses. At the time of diagnosis, the children and their families feel overwhelmed with the news. It is important for them to know that the community cares for them and that they are not alone. Familiar items provided in an unfamiliar place bring some sense of control, normalcy, and enjoyment to the individual child, as well as siblings and other family members.

New Mexico Branch of Basket of Hope works closely with the University of New Mexico Hospital to deliver baskets to the Children's Specialty Unit, the Carrie Tingley Inpatient Unit and the Infusion Unit where children come to receive their treatment as an outpatient. Basket of Hope volunteers who deliver the baskets are trained UNM Hospital volunteers. Several local sewing groups donate handmade hats, quilts and afghans which are included in every basket.

Although we were not able to personally visit UNMH children's units for some time due to COVID restrictions, we provided several special deliveries throughout 2020 and 2021. These included 140 gift bags for Easter, 140 gift bags for Christmas in July and 140 gift bags for Christmas as well as birthday gift bags for children who were hospitalized at the time of their birthday. We also coordinated a special pick-up with the UNMH volunteer office, and sent many quilts/afghans, purses, hats, and stuffed animals to be distributed to the children by hospital staff.

Families often send special notes expressing their thanks and sharing how much the gifts have meant to them:

“I just wanted to thank you for the 'Christmas in July' basket given to my daughter while she was at UNM Hospital receiving treatment for her cancer. It was so thoughtful of you to put together the basket to make her day brighter, I can't tell you how much she and I appreciated it. Thank you again!”

“I received an Easter basket from Basket of Hope when I took my 2 year old daughter to urgent care at UNM a few weeks ago. In the middle of a stressful, difficult weekend, your basket was a happy surprise, stuffed chock-full of thoughtful toys. My daughter loved it. Thank you!”

NM Branch of Basket of Hope is all volunteer and supported by donations from our community. Although we are affiliated with the national Basket of Hope organization, each branch must do its own fundraising. All funds raised stay in NM.

On behalf of the children and families we serve, thank you for your support.