This year we are creating care packages for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. We plan on donating the baskets to cancer patients at Hillcrest Hospital (part of the Cleveland Clinic) located in Mayfield Heights in Cuyahoga County. I have spoken to several workers there, and they have given me a good idea of what to include in each basket. Here is a list of items that we recommend:
- Unscented lotion
- Puzzle/Adult coloring books (Sudoku, crossword puzzles, word searches - anything to help pass the time during treatment sessions)
- Hard candies, especially ginger flavored (to help with dry mouth, ginger helps reduce nausea)
- Gatorade/Pedialyte drink mix packets
- Fuzzy socks
- Blanket
- Non-metal utensils
- Non-metal water bottle
- A card or note of encouragement
Some of my students created a Google Doc with links for each product, plus a link for a basket to put everything in. We predict each basket will cost approximately $75-$85 to put together.
If your club decides to do any sort of collection drive for these items, we ask that all items be new (not previously used).
Here is the Google Doc from my students with Amazon links for everything. These are suggestions - you do not have to purchase these exact items! You could make an Amazon Wishlist for your school or club if you want to send it out to parents and community members as well. There is a blanket linked on here, but if your club would like to make tie blankets themselves that would also be great! Again, you do not have to purchase these exact items, but please use these as examples.
Please let me know any questions you might have regarding this project. Thank you!
Chelsea Talty
District 6630 Interact Chair