Meet The Charity: John Theissen Children's Foundation Helps Sick, Underprivileged Kids

WANTAGH, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.

Some people start organizations as a way to cope with grief, some see an issue they want to tackle, and some want to bring lasting change. Sometimes, all those reasons apply.

Patch wants to highlight your local charity and connect it with community members who want to help and do good, so that way, more people can benefit. Here is just one of many charities doing terrific work in your community.

What is your name?
John Theissen

What is the name of your charity?
John Theissen Children's Foundation

What is your position within your charity?
Founder and Executive Director

What community is your organization based in
Wantagh, NY

Link to your website
www.jtcf.org

What is your mission?
The John Theissen Children’s Foundation mission statement is to help sick and underprivileged children in any capacity possible.

What does your charity do to further its mission? Please list examples.
Some of the programs we offer but not limited to: wishes, medical expenses, transportation, gift giving, pony therapy program, back to school drives, toy drives, fundraisers for families and free parties for the families we serve at our new Family Fun Center.

What inspired you to start your charity?
Thursday, December 8, 1988, I was 17 years old I was walking into Schneider’s Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park to have brain surgery the next day for a brain tumor. That day, I met a seven-year old girl named Tasha. Tasha came into my room and greeted me in her pajamas, she said hello, introduced herself and walked out, only later to come back in my room.

Tasha spent many hours with me for the next few days, always trying to make me happy. This little girl was in and out of the hospital throughout the year receiving different treatments for her illness. She received very little family support. She was dropped off and then picked up again when it was time to go home without having a visitor. Tasha was very excited about a holiday party sponsored by the hospital staff and was expecting her family to attend. They unfortunately did not. I was still too ill but my family agreed to take her. When Santa asked her what she had wanted, Tasha replied, “I would like a teddy bear for friend upstairs.”

I felt fortunate to be that friend. Her positive attitude and generous spirit inspired me. When I got out of the hospital I wanted to help children just like Tasha.

How can people help you accomplish your organization's mission or get involved in events?
By attending our fundraising events throughout the year, making a monetary or in-kind donation and of course spreading the word and getting more involved with JTCF

What is the most memorable moment you've had since starting your organization?
Over the years through the donations we receive, we are able to help so many children and families in any capacity and seeing all the smiles on the children's faces.

What else would you like people to know about your charity?
We are a top rated nonprofit organization and we help children and their families year round across Long Island year round. We are honored to be able to help these children through the communities support for the past thirty three years.

What are your organization's social media pages or handles?
John Theissen Children's Foundation

Do you help run a charity?

Nominate it here or share this link with someone who does.