The Sending Sunshine Foundation - About Us

Summer of 2023, I received this message from a customer. "Hey Megan! I had a donation question. Do you do donations at all? My friends niece was just diagnosed with cancer and is starting chemo. She loves cats and I feel like your boutique always has super fun printed items, and would probably have some cat things as well. I just wanted to reach out and see if that is something you would be willing to look into or knew of others who have their own business and would be willing to donate as well. She is only 9. She does have a gofundme page, but the money is for medical expenses and transportation to and from appointments. I wanted to get a gift box put together for her of things specifically for her that would cheer her up and make her feel happy or pretty or entertained during this difficult road ahead. If not that is totally fine! I just thought I’d give it a try and ask around!"

I immediately knew this was something I wanted to be a part of and reached out to my accountant to find out the legalities behind doing donation boxes like this. We decided that best course of action would be to set up a non-profit that could collect charitable contributions specifically for these types of packages. 

Meanwhile I still wanted to send a box to this little girl named Sophie. Her mom gave me permission to share her story:

"Sophie’s diagnosis is osteosarcoma with metastasis to the lungs. She is doing really well currently. She’s on round 12 of 18 of chemotherapy and she has two lung surgeries still, but she is doing really well. Sophie is the bravest and strongest girl I know. She has been through so much in the last 6 months, but she continues to smile and look forward to the end of her treatment!!

The box you sent Sophie was amazing! Thank you! Of course you can include Sophie in your story, she was very excited to receive the box specifically made for her. She loved that it was covered in cats, the drawings were fantastic. I’m so happy to hear that you will be sending more of these boxes out!! Sophie’s was so thoughtful and so well put together. Thank you again for hers. Please let me know what we can do to help!"

I immediately knew the name of the non-profit - The Sending Sunshine Foundation. In addition to tying into Sunshine Savvy, there are two main reasons for this name. One, is that is that it is a common phrase to use. "Sending Sunshine" is a way of saying you are sending someone some happiness. The second, and one of the big reasons that this story tugged at my heart is because of one of my best friends growing up - Melissa. We met in first grade. I moved in 5 doors down and we became instant friends. Our sophomore year of high school, she was diagnosed with leukemia. She sadly lost her battle the beginning of our senior year. Her nickname was "Sunshine". This is one way I can help to keep her memory alive while being the light in the dark for other kids facing crisis.

So, here's where you come in - every purchase you make will have a small percentage donated directly to The Sending Sunshine Foundation. We are officially recognized by the Federal and State governments as a private non-profit foundation. There is a "donation" button available at check-out. You can also choose "Donate Now" from the drop down list at the top of the page. I will be holding sales and fundraisers throughout the year where additional money will go toward this cause as well. I will also need your help getting these items to children in need.

The intent is that these go to children who "Just need a little sunshine." Whether it is loss of an immediate family member, house fire, life-threatening or life-altering illness or injury, or something else you feel severely impacts their childhood, we will accept nominations at thesendingsunshinefoundation@gmail.com. There will be a vetting process, and especially just starting out we may have to be more selective in who we help. But I am SO excited to start this journey and give a little something back to a community that has been supporting me for almost 3 years now.