Christmas Without Cancer Donates Easter Baskets To Families

NEW LENOX, IL — The nonprofit organization Christmas Without Cancer will bring some Easter holiday cheer to more than 40 area children and families by delivering custom-made Easter baskets. The Easter baskets were created and donated by Orland Park resident and Christmas Without Cancer volunteer Maria Stefanos, according to a release from the nonprofit.

Each age-appropriate Easter basket will contain candy, gift cards and goodies. This is the second year Stefanos has created the baskets, a release states.

Baskets will be delivered to residents and kids fighting cancer in Channahon, Aurora, Plainfield, Mokena, New Lenox, Mt. Greenwood, Alsip and Homewood.

“Families who are dealing with a loved one impacted by cancer have so much to worry about, and this is a simple way that Christmas Without Cancer can make a difference and bring a smile to people’s faces at a time when getting ready for a holiday may not be at the forefront of their minds,” Renee Copeland, Vice President, Christmas Without Cancer, said in a release. “With the pandemic, many of our families are in isolation recovering from treatments, and have no idea how they are going to get out and purchase items for Easter baskets. This is a simple way to let our families know that no matter the time of year, we are thinking of them, and here to help.”

The nonprofit was founded in 2003 by oncology nurse Gerri Neylon, and the organization has "adopted" multiple families throughout the year and supplied them with gift cards for groceries, medications, gas and other needed items, the nonprofit said.